INES-Ruhengeri Opened 2nd Pilot Training on Disability and Inclusion

On 26th March 2025, INES-Ruhengeri, took a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity in higher education by hosting the 2nd Pilot Training on Disability and Inclusion. The event, organized under the ANSWER Project (Advance Inclusion for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education in Rwanda), with the Theme: The Effective Way Forward in the Journey of Inclusion in Higher Education in Rwanda, was officially opened by Dr. UWILINGIYIMANA Charline, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research (DVCAR) at INES-Ruhengeri.

In her opening remarks, Dr. UWILINGIYIMANA highlighted INES-Ruhengeri’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment for students with disabilities. She emphasized that the ANSWER Project serves as a critical response not only for the institution but also for Rwanda as a whole in advancing inclusive education. Through various initiatives, including staff and student training, the establishment of a Student Support Centre, and the acquisition of assistive technology equipment, INES-Ruhengeri continues to make strides toward becoming a fully inclusive university within the Rwandan context.

While acknowledging that resources are still limited, she reassured attendees that the university remains steadfast in its mission to remove barriers to education for students with disabilities.

The 2nd Pilot Training focused on key areas essential for enhancing inclusion in higher education:

• Understanding the Challenges of Students with Disabilities: Exploring difficulties faced by students with disabilities during their transition to higher education and the labor market, such as accessibility issues, academic adjustments, and societal stigma.
• Introduction to Inclusive Pedagogical Methods: Equipping educators with strategies for fostering an inclusive learning environment, including differentiated instruction, universal design for learning principles, and creating accessible learning materials.
• Introduction to Assistive Technologies: Familiarizing participants with various tools and software that can support students with different disabilities in their learning and academic tasks.

A major objective of the training was to encourage collaboration among university staff, local government officers, and NGOs to advocate for and support students with disabilities. Additionally, the training sought to challenge misconceptions and biases surrounding disability, promoting respect, dignity, and understanding within academic institutions in Rwanda.

Participants were encouraged to provide feedback through a post-training questionnaire. Their insights will be crucial in evaluating the training’s impact and refining future sessions to better meet the needs of students with disabilities and contribute to the broader goal of inclusive education in Rwanda.

As INES-Ruhengeri continues to implement inclusive practices, events like this training play a crucial role in shaping a higher education system where all students, regardless of ability, have equal opportunities to thrive within the Rwandan higher education landscape.

With ongoing efforts and a shared commitment from stakeholders, the institution aims to be a leading model of inclusivity in Rwanda’s higher education sector.

With these words, Dr. UWILINGIYIMANA Charline officially declared the training open, setting the stage for meaningful discussions and actionable steps towards a more inclusive educational landscape in Rwanda.