Kwibohora32: Blind Community Celebrates Progress in Education, Employment and Inclusion
Mukeshimana Jean Marie Vianey, the Director of Masaka Resource Center for the Blind (MRCB)
The Rwandan blind community is celebrating significant progress made over the years in access to education, employment and social inclusion, with members saying that continued government support and inclusive policies have transformed their lives and opened new opportunities for persons with visual impairments.
Educators and leaders at the Masaka Resource Centre for the Blind (MRCB) say persons with visual impairments have made remarkable strides in overcoming barriers that once limited their participation in education, employment and community life.
They acknowledge, however, that while important achievements have been recorded, more efforts are needed to ensure full inclusion and equal opportunities for all persons with disabilities.
Ernest Munyaneza, a sports and massage instructor at MRCB, said one of the community’s greatest achievements has been the growing ability of blind people to become more independent and actively participate in society.
“As a community of persons with disabilities, one of our biggest achievements is our ability to support ourselves, although we have not yet reached the level we aspire to. With support from the Government and organizations that work with persons with disabilities, we continue to move in a positive direction. The future will be even better,” he said.
Munyaneza explained that sustained support and advocacy have helped persons with visual impairments gain confidence and acquire skills that enable them to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to society.
Constance Mukantwali, another instructor at MRCB, said the situation of blind people has changed dramatically compared to previous years, particularly in the areas of education and employment.
“In the past, blind people had very limited opportunities to study, complete secondary education or continue to university. Under the Government of National Unity, this is no longer the case. Today, we can attend universities and secure employment. May God bless the Government of National Unity,” she said.
She added that access to education has played a vital role in empowering persons with visual impairments to compete for opportunities and contribute to national development.
The Director of MRCB, Jean Marie Vianney Mukeshimana, said persons with visual impairments have made substantial progress in education and employment over the past 32 years, although full inclusion has yet to be achieved.
According to Mukeshimana, blind people today have greater opportunities to attend school, excel academically and pursue higher education, including university studies.
“Today, they have opportunities to study, succeed academically and continue their education up to university level,” he said.
He added that persons with visual impairments are also increasingly participating in the labour market, where they are given the opportunity to compete for jobs through recruitment examinations and secure employment based on their abilities.
“They are allowed to sit for recruitment examinations, compete fairly and gain employment when they demonstrate the required skills, although the number of persons with disabilities who secure jobs remains low,” Mukeshimana said.
He noted that advocacy for the rights of persons with visual impairments has also continued to grow, with their views increasingly being considered in national discussions and decision-making processes.
According to Mukeshimana, Rwanda has established laws and policies at both national and international levels that protect the rights of persons with disabilities and promote their participation in society.
He said these achievements demonstrate the importance of inclusive policies that recognize the abilities, talents and contributions of persons with visual impairments.
Despite the progress made, MRCB leaders emphasize that continued investment in education, skills development, employment opportunities and accessibility remains essential to ensure that persons with visual impairments fully participate in Rwanda’s development journey and enjoy equal opportunities in all aspects of life.
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