Rwanda’s Visual Impairment Community Strengthened Through Training by RUB and Swedish Support

In a significant effort to empower persons with visual impairments across Rwanda, the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), with support from the Swedish Association of the Visually Impaired (SRF) through the MYRIGHTS initiative, recently conducted a comprehensive training workshop for representatives from all over the country.

This two-day event aimed to build the capacity of volunteers serving in local branches and equip them with essential skills to advocate for and support their peers.

The training brought together 16 local associations, each represented by two participants, totaling 32 individuals who are now equipped as Trainers of Trainers (TOTs). These TOTs will subsequently train their peers at the branch levels, ensuring wider dissemination of knowledge and support within the community.

Jean Bosco Mugiraneza, a project officer with RUB, explained, “We are focusing on enhancing the skills of our representatives to better serve their fellow members. This training enables them to advocate effectively, participate in government programs, and find solutions to the challenges faced by visually impaired persons.”

Participants received training on various topics, including advocacy techniques, problem-solving strategies, participation in government initiatives, and qualities that make a good trainer. The trainees recognized the importance of their new skills in fulfilling their responsibilities and supporting their communities better.

The Rwaanda Union of the Blind currently has over 60 branches with more than 3,000 members. Despite the progress, RUB highlights ongoing obstacles such as limited access to resources and inclusive opportunities. “Our goal is to address these issues through community support and institutional collaboration,” Mugiraneza added.

The workshop also included discussions on challenges faced by local branches and collective efforts to find sustainable solutions. “As TOTs, we assessed our challenges and identified ways to overcome them to ensure our members’ development and sustainability,” said one of the trainees.

RUB emphasizes that the training is part of a broader strategy to empower persons with visual impairments, enabling them to become active participants in society and advocates for their rights. The initiative reflects a commitment to fostering independence, resilience, and community-driven support among Rwanda’s visually impaired population.