Education stakeholders in Rwanda are calling for greater investment and policy support to enhance inclusive education, as efforts to support girls in STEM and children with disabilities gain momentum.
This call to action was made during the “Stakeholders Get-Together Event on Inclusive Education Projects” held in Kigali on February 18, 2025.
The event was organized by Chance for Childhood (CfC) and Young Women’s Christian Association Rwanda (YWCA Rwanda), in partnership with Link Education International (LEI) and Oxfam respectively with funding support of the Scottish government.
The event highlighted the Realizing Inclusive and Safe Education (RISE) project and others funded by the Scottish Government.
Mr Felicien Turatsinze, the Country representative of Chance for Childhood, who deliver RISE in Rwanda, said: “We reaffirm our commitment to transforming Rwanda’s education sector by training teachers, enhancing assessment methods, and ensuring that every child, including those with disabilities, receives quality inclusive education. Together, we can create an inclusive, equitable, and accessible learning environment for all.”
Through the RISE initiative, they aim to transform 57 schools into inclusive education models, train over 1,400 teachers, and support 100,000 children including more than 5,130 children with disabilities and other special educational needs.
Mr. Niall McCumesty, The Global Health Policy and Program Manager at the Scottish Government, emphasized Scotland’s role as a committed partner in Rwanda’s inclusive education efforts, rather than just a donor.
He praised Chance for Childhood and YWCA Rwanda for their dedication to transforming education for vulnerable children more specifically children with disabilities, special educational needs and girls in particular.
“We are investing in the potential of every child and young woman in Rwanda to reach their full potential. I know the journey ahead together will have challenges, but I am confident that working together we can achieve our goals in partnership”.
With Rwanda positioning itself as a leader in inclusive education, stakeholders insist that now is the time to build on existing efforts and ensure that no child is left behind. The success of these programs could serve as a model for other African nations looking to make education more equitable and accessible for all.