Minister Nsengimana Emphasizes Duty of Inclusive Education for People with Disabilities

Kigali, 27 November 2025 - The Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, has underscored that educating people with disabilities is not an act of pity but a national duty, stressing the importance of inclusive education at all levels. He delivered the message during the launch of a two-day conference on inclusive education policy, which seeks to assess progress and identify areas needing reinforcement.

Minister Nsengimana highlighted that more than 5,000 schools across Rwanda now have at least one teacher trained to identify children with disabilities. This ensures that students receive tailored support to help them keep pace with their studies.

He further emphasized the introduction of assistive technology, noting that 73 centers have been equipped with devices that convert regular text into Braille, enabling visually impaired students to learn more effectively.

“Educating children with disabilities is not a matter of pity, but a responsibility, just like we teach all children,” Nsengimana said. “These children are the Rwanda of tomorrow. If we don’t educate them, we are not preparing the country for anything. It is important that we educate all children because it is the government’s program.”

Ndayisaba Emmanuel, Executive Secretary of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, expressed gratitude for the country’s efforts in education, employment, sports, healthcare, and accessibility tools such as prosthetics, braces, and insurance coverage.

Nyirahabinshuti Beatha, a blind teacher at GS Gisozi I, shared her personal journey, highlighting that disability does not limit potential. “I competed for a teaching position like everyone else and was selected based on my abilities, not out of compassion. I currently teach English to fourth-year primary students, with only minor assistance for writing on the blackboard,” she said. She called for improved infrastructure in schools to make workplaces more accessible for people with disabilities.

Abizeyimana Justin, a specialist in teaching children with disabilities at Umubano Academy, pointed out the challenges students face in standardized exams. He argued that children with disabilities require adapted testing methods and access to appropriate learning materials to perform effectively.

Simununa Benitha, a deaf primary school student, highlighted communication barriers in classrooms where teachers and peers often do not know sign language. She stressed the need to expand sign language instruction for both teachers and students to enhance learning and inclusion.

The conference represents Rwanda’s commitment to inclusive education, aiming to ensure that students with disabilities are not left behind. By improving teaching methods, infrastructure, and assistive tools, the country seeks to empower all children to reach their full potential and actively contribute to national development.