SUCCESS STORIES

Muhanga, Rwanda—Niyotwizera Olivier, a 27-year-old visually impaired young man from Kabuga Village, Kabuye Cell, Kabacuzi Sector, Muhanga District, has transformed his life from one of isolation to self-reliance through determination and the support of the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB). Olivier’s story is a powerful testament to the capability of people with disabilities when given the right tools and opportunities. Olivier’s early life was marked by hardship. He was forced to stop his schooling in the fifth year of primary school due to the lack of appropriate educational facilities for students with visual impairment. This led to a difficult period of self-doubt and isolation. “It was initially difficult for me to accept,” Olivier recounted. “I lived a life of isolation, thinking about many different things, including the fact that I couldn’t study. I felt unable to join others or speak up. I lived a life where I needed help with everything.” His turning point came in January 2019, when he traveled to Masaka in search of medical assistance, having been referred from Kabgayi Hospital. Accompanied by his mother, Olivier didn’t find a cure, but he found something arguably more valuable: empowerment. “Once there, I immediately started learning Braille, learning to walk, learning to use the white cane, learning to accept myself as a person with a disability, and learning to do all the tasks I used to be helped with, by myself,” he explained. Armed with new skills and self-acceptance, Olivier returned home in 2022 to pursue a trade. He learned how to knit various items, primarily sweaters, from yarn and thread. Today, he runs a successful knitting project, demonstrating his newfound independence. “I gain many different things, including being able to provide for my needs, such as clothing,” he said. He has also diversified his efforts by engaging in small-scale breeding projects, including pigs and chickens. The key to his success was the provision of essential equipment by RUB, whom he credits profoundly. “I am very thankful to RUB as a parent who looks out for us, because I owe this life I have to them. Now I am able to get what I need, and I can also help others in various ways.” Olivier is a prolific knitter, capable of making approximately three adult sweaters or five children’s sweaters in a single day. His dedication ensures a steady income, with monthly profits reaching no less than 30,000 Rwandan francs. Despite his success, Olivier faces significant hurdles. “The main challenge is how to find markets; it is very difficult for me,” he lamented. He also highlighted a persistent societal challenge: the misconception that items made by visually impaired people are not of high quality. Furthermore, the cost of sourcing materials is steep, with a one-way motorcycle taxi trip from his home to Muhanga for supplies costing 5,000 Rwandan francs. To overcome these challenges, Olivier believes government support is crucial. He calls for increased public education to dispel the negative misconceptions about the capabilities of people with disabilities. He also suggests help in securing markets, such as contracts with schools, and securing a proper workspace. Looking ahead, Olivier has ambitious goals. He aspires to acquire a machine with greater capacity, establish his own weaving/knitting house, and pass on his skills by training others. His journey is a powerful call to action for the community to recognize and support the talent and capacity of all its members.