On
September 11-12,
2024, INES-Ruhengeri hosted
an event titled “Awareness on Disability, Inclusion, and Accessibility”
to educate new students on the importance of inclusivity and the support
offered by the Student Support Centre (SSC). Part of the induction week, the
event highlighted the institution’s commitment to fostering an accessible and
inclusive environment for all students, particularly those with disabilities.
Photo: Mr. NKURUNZIZA Fabrice
The two days sessions featured
presentations from Mr. NKURUNZIZA Fabrice and Mr. NIYONZIMA William, both
technical staff members at the SSC. They focused on educating students about
disability and inclusion, while addressing common misconceptions. Their goal
was to promote an inclusive mindset where students understand that disabilities
should not be seen as limitations. On the second day, Mr. NIYONZIMA William
delivered a compelling message, stating:
"If a university has
students who cannot access some buildings due to stairs, for example, or who
cannot access certain learning materials, the problem is not with these
students but with the institution, which is not accessible to everyone. It
should create an accessible environment, as students are also responsible for
creating an accessible society. Students with disabilities should feel that the
university is their home. Through policies’ implementation and a
change in mindset, students with disabilities can perform well because
disability is not inability."
Photo: Mr. NIYONZIMA William
The new students at
INES-Ruhengeri expressed how much they learned during the event, acknowledging
that they had gained insights into topics they previously knew little about.
Many committed themselves to becoming active participants in promoting
inclusion and to being part of the solution moving forward. This sense of
responsibility and willingness to support peers with disabilities demonstrated
the growing awareness within the INES community.
The event was attended by 335 students, who were introduced to the comprehensive services offered by the SSC, which is equipped to provide various forms of assistance and advocacy for students with disabilities. Students were encouraged to visit the Centre whenever needed and to engage in peer-to-peer support to foster a more inclusive campus culture.
Since the launch of the ANSWER
project in March 2023, INES-Ruhengeri has seen increased awareness of
disability and inclusion. Led by the University of Alicante from Spain and
funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program, the project equips
three higher education institutions in Rwanda (INES-Ruhengeri, University of
Rwanda, and East African University Rwanda) with the skills, knowledge, and
technology to bridge the gap between policy and practice in accessibility and
inclusion, focusing on capacity building and assistive technologies for
students with disabilities.
As a result of the ANSWER
initiative, the INES-Ruhengeri community is now more conscious of the
importance of inclusivity than ever before. The event, a crucial part of this
broader project, helped deepen students' understanding of these issues,
reinforcing the institution's commitment to ensuring that all students have
equal opportunities to succeed.
The success of this awareness campaign reflects INES-Ruhengeri's ongoing efforts to implement practical, meaningful changes in support of students with disabilities. As the project progresses, the university remains dedicated to further enhancing its inclusive practices, creating a positive environment where every student can thrive.
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