Empowering Vision: How Rwanda’s Masaka Resources Center Transforms Lives of the Visually Impaired

The Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) is making strides in empowering visually impaired persons with the recent enrollment of 30 new participants from the Masaka Resources Center for the Blind.

They say that the new phase consists of 30 new beneficiaries, but in total there are 45 participants, including graduates from the previous phase who wish to continue training in other professions offered at the center.

These persons are receiving comprehensive support including rehabilitation, vocational training, and mobility to help them find meaningful opportunity and lead independent lives. This initiative is a testament to RUB’s commitment to empowering the visually impaired community in Rwanda.

Helena KWIZERA, who came from the Nyamasheke district, Cyato sector, has also been in this center for approximately a month, noted that she was unable to engage in activities at home until a group informed him about a blind center in Kigali, Masaka.

She expressed her satisfaction with her education and experience in farming, stating they believe they will be well-equipped to farm upon returning home.

She said, “What I am benefiting from here is studying and farming; now I feel that when I go back home, I will know how to farm well.”

Frederick MUNYANZIZA, who came from Karongi district, Rubengera sector, and has been in this center for a month, said that he gained valuable skills in his short time here, including self-management and toileting.

He insisted that he has successfully transitioned into various jobs and gained acceptance, overcoming challenges he faced in her previous environment.

He emphasized the importance of learning from colleagues who share similar problems, as it boosts confidence and helps them develop skills like fire-lighting, cooking, writing, and farming, despite the unique challenges they face.

Nicolas NIYIBIZI, who came from Rusizi district, Gikundamvura sector, highlighted that he became blind during secondary school, and experienced despair and isolation due to the belief that life was at a standstill. However, listening to the radio about RUB’s support for returning students motivated him to seek help.

He said, “I experienced significant changes since arriving, including improved mobility, access to restrooms, farm activities, and even learning to write braille.”

He expressed his desire to continue his studies and graduate, highlighting the numerous possibilities available upon arrival.

He emphasized the importance of learning farming, animal care, and technology, including using a telephone, as it will provide numerous benefits upon returning home.

Niyibizi expressed gratitude towards RUB for their assistance, stating that they helped them escape isolation and made them feel capable and strong.

Theophile TWAGIRAYEZU, who came from the Rwamagana district, returned to the location for the second time, recognizing that life continues despite their blindness, highlighting the importance of returning to remind themselves of the present.

He said, “Before I spent six months, they were able to teach me different subjects, including farming, writing braille, and reading in Kinyarwanda. After that, I found out that there are other opportunities to learn how to knit; we knit balls, we knit pants, hats, and various other things.”

He believed that this would benefit him in life, as he realized that it is possible to maintain life even when he was previously limited to sleep. After six months of studying, he realized that a blind person can use a telephone to send messages and receive them, transforming his perception of communication.

Liliane UMUBYEYI, who came from Kayonza district, Gahene sector, said that before joining RUB, she was lonely and had no hobbies. After learning knitting, braille, reading, cooking, and animal feeding, he returned home, making her family happy.

She said, “Now I’m back learning to knit, and I know how to knit a hat and put it together, with the hope of learning more in the future.”

Claudine MUKAYIRANGA, a teacher at the Masaka Resources Center for the Blind, teaches visually impaired students various skills including reading, writing, braille, and daily life tasks, encouraging them to use their hands for tasks. 

She said, “Teaching them helps them recover from disabilities, as they often meet despite fear and early detection, as some individuals become blind before birth.”

She emphasized the importance of self-help training for individuals with visual impairments, teaching them various skills such as cooking, baking, kneading, and hand usage.

“There are also different professions that we teach them, including weaving and massage; if they behave well, it will benefit them when they get outside,” stated Mukayiranga.

She emphasized that people with visual disabilities are capable, and if given time, support, and understanding, they will excel in their abilities, despite being judged.

Medal MUNGUYIKO is also a teacher at the center, teaching agriculture, animal husbandry, mobility, and other activities to help individuals return to normal life. He stated that upon arrival, they are taught mobility to access various activities and to accept their past experiences.

He anticipated learning basic skills in six months, enabling some to continue education to secondary, primary, or university. Blind individuals learn braille and return to work.

He highlighted he began working here in 2006 in agriculture and breeding, where individuals are taught from scratch, starting with how to use the hoe and cultivate with colleagues.

Bonifrida MUKASHEMA, Accountant of Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), emphasized the importance of educating visually impaired individuals about their profession, focusing on rehabilitation, modern agriculture, and animal husbandry, as these skills are essential for their future careers and can be applied in various locations.

She praised the cooperation among weavers in the center, citing their collaboration with other weavers in various educational institutions and shops.

Mukashema discussed challenges in reaching out to those who cannot help due to their abilities, as well as the difficulty in their family understanding their training capabilities.

She emphasized that individuals with visual impairments often face ostracization and lack of support from society, leading to feelings of being a miracle or being poisoned. However, when helped, they can become productive and productive.

She highlighted the example of Dr. Donatilla Kanimba, a blind person, leading over 15 workers and 60 others without sight, demonstrating that individuals who excel and contribute to society can achieve success.

The center, which began in 2000, has experienced multiple phases, with approximately 1005 individuals passing through its initial phase every six months.