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NYANZA – 29-30 September 2026 – The Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) has conducted a follow-up visit to its associations in Nyagisozi and Mukingo Sectors, Nyanza District, to assess their journey out of isolation and towards self-reliance. The visit was part of RUB’s capacity-building program for local associations, implemented with support from MyRight / SRF Sweden. According to the field assessment, members have continued to make strides in development through savings and internal lending groups (VSLA), livestock rearing including goats and pigs, as well as weaving activities. In Mukingo Sector, the association received a boost of One Million Rwandan Francs (RWF 1,000,000) from Nyanza District administration to help expand their livestock project. During this follow-up visit, RUB was accompanied by volunteers from the National Electoral Commission (NEC), the Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) and the District Disability Mainstreaming Officer (DMO). The initiative is aimed at strengthening inclusion, economic empowerment and civic participation of persons with visual impairment at community level.

NYARUGURU, Rwanda – Through the project funded by Sida through MyRight Sweden, the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) has visited three associations located in three sectors of Nyaruguru District – Nyabimata, Kivu and Munini. During the visit, members of the associations were sensitized on participating in the upcoming elections. The sensitization was conducted with the support of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), which facilitated the talks and provided information on elections. RUB thanked NEC and the leadership of Nyaruguru District for their support in mobilizing and facilitating the activity. The initiative is part of RUB’s efforts to ensure that persons with visual impairment are informed, included and able to fully participate in civic and democratic processes.

KIREHE, Rwanda — The Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) has joined a district-level consultation bringing together women-led organizations, women’s rights organizations and development partners to strengthen collaboration on priorities affecting women and girls in Kirehe District. RUB was represented by Muhigirwa Uwase Mireille, Project Coordinator, at the Kirehe District Partners’ Consultation Meeting held under the Powered by Women project. The meeting was convened by Kirehe District in collaboration with Profemmes Twese Hamwe. The consultation brought together members of the Women-Led Organization (LO) and Women’s Rights Organization (WRO) coalition alongside key stakeholders to review jointly identified priorities, explore opportunities for collaboration and agree on practical contributions toward their implementation. Participants also reviewed progress in the district’s planning processes and discussed areas for joint advocacy, with particular attention to women’s economic justice, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), as well as the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV). For RUB, the discussions provided an opportunity to emphasize the importance of ensuring that women and girls with disabilities are not left behind in district-level development and advocacy initiatives. As a coalition member, RUB reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments, in efforts addressing gender equality, economic empowerment and protection from violence. The organization also committed to contributing to joint monitoring, advocacy and information-sharing as partners move forward with implementation of the identified priorities. RUB’s participation alongside organizations including CARE, the National Women’s Council, RWAMREC, FXB and Save the Children, among other members of the district coalition, highlights the importance of coordinated action in addressing the diverse needs of women and girls. The consultation is expected to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and support more inclusive approaches to planning and advocacy at the district level, ensuring that women and girls with disabilities are considered in policies and initiatives designed to advance gender equality and women’s rights.

Kayonza, Rwanda – September 2, 2026: The Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the leadership of Kayonza District, conducted a one-day visit to Groupe Scolaire Gahini to assess preparations for welcoming Learners with visual impairments during the 2026/2027 academic year. The visit followed nearly three years without students with visual impairments attending Groupe Scolaire Gahini, despite the school’s longstanding contribution to the education of blind and visually impaired learners. Since 1997, GS Gahini has played an important role in advancing access to education for students with visual impairments. The school was among the institutions that opened its doors to blind learners and enabled them to participate in national examinations at a time when many schools had limited knowledge and experience in inclusive education for learners with visual impairments. However, since 2022, no students with visual impairments had been placed at the school. The reasons for this gap had not been clearly established. Assessing Progress and Readiness During the visit, RUB Executive Director Jacques Mugisha explained that the organization had engaged the Ministry of Education after becoming aware of the absence of visually impaired learners at GS Gahini. According to Mugisha, discussions with the Ministry, particularly with State Minister Dr. Claudette Irere, led to an understanding that students with visual impairments who successfully complete national examinations at Primary and O’ Level should also be considered for placement at GS Gahini during the 2026/2027 academic year. The September 2 visit was therefore organized to assess whether this commitment was being implemented following the release of examination results and the placement of students in schools. The delegation confirmed that two students with visual impairments have been assigned to GS Gahini, while additional students may also be placed at the school. “Since 2022, no student had gone to GS Gahini, and the main reason had not been clearly established,” Mugisha said. “It was therefore important for the different institutions to visit the school, assess the situation and ensure that the decisions reached through our discussions are being implemented.” Strengthening the Resource Room The delegation also visited the school’s Resource Room, an essential facility under Rwanda’s Special Needs and Inclusive Education Policy. Resource Rooms are designed to provide specialized support and appropriate learning materials to students with disabilities. For students with visual impairments, such facilities are particularly important in ensuring access to Braille learning materials, examinations and other written information. The delegation found that the Resource Room had not been utilized during the period when there were no visually impaired learners at the school. It also requires equipment and materials before it can fully meet its intended purpose. Following the assessment, the participating institutions agreed on several actions to strengthen the school’s capacity to support blind and visually impaired learners. Key Commitments The stakeholders agreed that: Removing Barriers Through Collaboration RUB emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between organizations of persons with disabilities, government institutions, schools, teachers, parents and learners in removing barriers to inclusive education. The organization particularly called for stronger communication with students with visual impairments who are completing their studies in special schools. Providing them with accurate information about available schools and support services can help them make informed choices about where to continue their education. The return of visually impaired students to GS Gahini would reaffirm the school’s historical contribution to inclusive education in Rwanda. It also demonstrates the importance of ensuring that inclusive education policies are translated into practical support at school level. RUB will continue working with the Ministry of Education, REB, local authorities and other partners to advocate for equal access to quality education for persons with visual impairments and to ensure that learners have the necessary tools, trained teachers and supportive learning environments to achieve their full potential. The goal is clear: no learner should be left behind because of visual impairment.

KIGALI, RWANDA — For many families, the journey toward independence after losing sight begins with simple daily tasks: learning how to safely navigate a road, cook a meal, wash clothes, or read Braille. Yet, as the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) recently emphasized, rehabilitation of the individual is only half the battle. True inclusion and dignity can only be achieved when families and communities actively challenge social stigma, recognize the rights of visually impaired individuals, and embrace their immense potential. This call for societal change was the core message of a powerful gathering of families, caregivers, relatives, and blind and partially sighted graduates held on August 14, 2026, at the Masaka Resource Centre for the Blind (MRCB). Organized by RUB, the meeting served as a vital platform to share triumphs, confront systemic community challenges, and showcase how specialized training completely reshapes lives. Redefining Partnership: The Inspiring Story of Venancilla and Jean Bosco One of the most moving testimonies shared at the gathering came from Nyagatare District, where 53-year-old Venancilla Uwamahoro and her husband, 54-year-old Jean Bosco Siborurema, have experienced a profound transformation in their home. Thirteen years ago, Venancilla’s life changed in an instant. After returning home from a wedding, she suddenly began experiencing severe eye problems. Despite seeking treatment at Kabgayi, her sight could not be saved. For years, she lived in a state of heavy dependence, relying entirely on her children and husband for basic needs like washing, peeling food, and cooking. “I had no choice but to continue living with her as we had before,” Jean Bosco recalled, choosing patience and love over despair. Everything changed when Venancilla was introduced to the Masaka Resource Centre for the Blind (MRCB). Over a six-month rehabilitation period, she learned orientation and mobility, along with practical domestic skills like food preparation and laundry. Later, she returned to MRCB for vocational training, mastering the art of making soap and liquid oils. Today, Venancilla is not a dependent family member; she is an active economic partner. She produces soap, earning an income of about Rwf 3,000 per batch, which she uses to hire labor for their agricultural terraces. She has also purchased three goats and a pig for the family. “At home, I no longer have to worry about buying salt, soap, or cooking oil because she can contribute to those needs, while I concentrate on farming,” says Jean Bosco. “A person who cannot see can also do things just like the person I live with. There is nothing she cannot do at home.” Regaining Control: Patrick’s Journey Back to Mobility For 25-year-old Patrick Iyamuremye of Kamonyi District, losing his sight on December 29, 2025, felt like the end of his future. Distressed and unable to accept his diagnosis even after visiting Bishenyi Eye Hospital, Patrick initially refused to attend rehabilitation, staying shut inside his home for two weeks and rejecting his white cane. His mother, Ancille Mukabagorora, refused to give up on him. Having learned about MRCB through a friend, she gently insisted he visit. Once Patrick stepped into the center and met others with visual impairments, his perspective shifted. He began learning Braille, domestic chores, and agricultural practices. Today, Patrick moves freely, cooks, bathes, and does his own laundry. His morale has returned, and he is once again active. “Now I can walk on the road without any problem,” Patrick says proudly. “Before I came here, my mother used to wash my clothes for me. Now, I do almost everything on my own.” His mother shares in this joy: “Since he came to this center, he talks with his relatives, he has morale, and many things have changed.” Confronting Stigma in Schools and Homes The gathering also shed light on the painful realities of community stigma. Jacques Mugisha, the Executive Director of RUB, recounted the heartbreaking story of a partially sighted schoolchild who was severely bullied in a mainstream school. Classmates would deliberately put dirt in his food to test if he could see it. Becoming deeply distressed, the child dropped out of school and developed behavioral struggles. After undergoing rehabilitation at MRCB, the child experienced a complete turnaround, regaining his happiness and confidence, while his parents learned how to properly support him. In another instance, a woman whose husband became blind was urged by neighbors and relatives to abandon him, questioning how a blind man could support his household. She refused, staying by his side and supporting his journey through MRCB. Today, that husband is an active, productive member of his community once more. RUB’s Call to Action: A United Front for Inclusion “These experiences show us that rehabilitation can make a significant difference,” said Mugisha Jacques, Executive Director of RUB. “People who initially appear to be dependent can regain confidence and become impactful in their families and communities.” However, Mugisha stressed that individual training is not enough. To dismantle systemic barriers, the Rwanda Union of the Blind is calling for: A Shared Responsibility The powerful testimonies from Masaka serve as a reminder that visual impairment does not signify the end of a productive life. Loss of sight alters how tasks are performed, but with the right rehabilitation, a supportive family, and an inclusive community, blind individuals can—and do—lead lives of profound independence, economic capability, and dignity. As an organization, the Rwanda Union of the Blind remains committed to lighting this path. We urge every Rwandan family, local leader, and educator to join us in seeing the ability, not the disability.