RUSIZI/KARONGI, Rwanda – The Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) has conducted follow-up visits to three of its local branches in Western Province to assess their progress, strengthen collaboration with local authorities, and identify challenges affecting persons with visual impairment.
The visits, carried out with financial support from the Danish Association of the Blind (DAB) through the RISE Programme, covered Twisungane Rugabano, Abiyitaho Giheke, and Twisungane Kibumbwe branches.
The initiative forms part of RUB’s ongoing efforts to ensure that persons with visual impairment are empowered to participate fully in education, employment, leadership, and community life while strengthening the capacity of local branches to serve their members effectively.
The follow-up exercise also aimed to monitor the performance of local branches, including Training of Trainers (TOTs), encourage self-confidence and independence among members, strengthen partnerships with government institutions and other stakeholders, and identify emerging challenges requiring additional support.
During the visits, RUB found that all three branches hold monthly meetings where members review the progress of ongoing activities, discuss social and economic issues affecting persons with visual impairment, and develop action plans for future initiatives.
The assessment further revealed strong collaboration between the branches and sector-level local authorities, with local leaders acknowledging the positive contribution of RUB in promoting disability inclusion and supporting persons with visual impairment within their communities.
The activity was conducted in close collaboration with district officials, particularly Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) Officers and Disability Mainstreaming Officers (DMOs), whose participation reaffirmed the importance of coordinated efforts in advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Speaking during the visits, district officials commended the commitment of the RUB branches in mobilizing members, promoting peer support, and implementing community-based initiatives that improve the well-being and livelihoods of persons with visual impairment.
Beyond assessing organizational progress, the visits also showcased the talents and vocational skills of branch members.
At the Abiyitaho Giheke Branch in Rusizi District, members presented handcrafted products, including a decorative flower made entirely from thread by persons with visual impairment. The exhibition demonstrated how skills development can enhance economic empowerment and challenge misconceptions about disability.
RUB noted that the follow-up visits provided an opportunity to identify both achievements and persistent challenges faced by members, enabling the organization and its partners to develop targeted interventions that respond to local needs.
Through the support of the Danish Association of the Blind under the RISE Programme, RUB continues to strengthen grassroots structures, promote equal opportunities, and advocate for the full inclusion of persons with visual impairment in Rwanda’s social and economic development.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government institutions, development partners, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and local communities to ensure that persons with visual impairment enjoy equal rights, access to opportunities, and meaningful participation in all aspects of society.
Members of Abiyitaho Giheke Branch pose with the RUB team and the Rusizi District JADF Officer after a follow-up meeting to assess progress and address challenges facing persons with visual impairment.
