About us
About Us
Who We Are
The Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) is a local non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the lives of visually impaired people in Rwanda. Legally operating since 1995, we strive to facilitate meaningful equality and integration for the blind community through education and rehabilitation.
Our organization is administered by visually impaired people, ensuring that our work is driven by the lived experiences and genuine needs of our community. Headquartered in Kigali City, we have grown to include about 2,700 members across the country.
Our Philosophy
We believe that all necessary services for people with visual impairment should be provided as a right of the individual. Whether it is accessing healthcare, securing employment, or participating in family life, we support our members in situations where they have been denied their rights.
We are actively working to change mindsets regarding the capabilities of the visually impaired, specifically combatting the unfortunate belief held by some employers that blind persons cannot perform in the workplace.
Affiliations
To strengthen our impact, RUB maintains memberships with key national, regional, and global networks:
- National: National Union of Disabilities Organizations of Rwanda (NUDOR) and UPHLS.
- Regional: African Union of the Blind.
- Global: World Blind Union.
01
Our Mission
To work towards the improvement of the situation of blind people through education and rehabilitation to facilitate meaningful equality and integration.
02
Our Vision
We envision a situation where blind people access all rights as all other citizens, receive rehabilitation and education, and can be employed as all other citizens.
03
Our Reach
Since our foundation, RUB has strengthened and extended the scope of its activities to reach people in need across the nation.
- National Presence: We have established 64 branches across 30 districts in Rwanda.
- Grassroots Impact: Our branches help members come out of isolation and solitude, serving as a support network for persons with visual impairment and their families.
What We Do
Our primary objective is to bring together blind people in a national organization to promote their fundamental rights. Our key areas of intervention include:
- Advocacy & Awareness: We raise awareness about the needs, potentials, and aspirations of persons with visual impairment while advocating for changes in national legal frameworks to respect their rights.
- Education & Rehabilitation: We promote inclusive education and rehabilitation services through dialogue with the government and development partners. We believe education is the cornerstone of a bright future.
- Socio-Economic Empowerment: We support our members in forming local branches and income-generating projects to improve their economic status and independence.
- Health & Inclusion: We promote the prevention of blindness, the provision of eye care services, and the inclusion of visually impaired persons in sports and cultural activities.