On 3rd and 4th July, Rwandan partners visited Alicante for their first Study Visit. The main objectives of this first visit were to expose partners to modern practices and to the exchange of experiences, to learn from the innovative practices in the field of inclusion, accessibility and disability, and to improve the understanding on how EU partners (particularly, UA in Spain, in this case) provide support to students with disabilities.
The first day of the event in Spain focused on the visit to Fundación Once in Alicante, where partners got to know the National Organisation of Spanish Blind People, which is a non-profit public law corporation of social nature.
Rwandan partners had the opportunity to learn about all the resources, trainings and materials that are being carried out and produced by this particular educative adaptation centre for people with disabilities in Alicante, which is part of ONCE.
Afterwards, partners enjoyed the second part of this Study Visit with a city tour of Alicante, which was led by a city guide.
The day was a resounding success, encompassing valuable learning opportunities on education models and resources for people with disabilities in Spain, as well as a chance for Rwandan partners to immerse in Spanish culture and gastronomy.
On the second day of the Study Visit, ANSWER partners held the event on campus at the University of Alicante. There, partners had the chance to meet our Director of Institutional Relations and Projects, Juan Llopis, who welcomed Rwandan partners.
Moreover, partners discussed the progress made in each work package, as well as the improvements that need to be made.
Partners also visited the General Library, where they had the chance of exploring an accessible booth with different accessibility tools and devices for students, as well as the Digital Accessibility Unit and the Student Support Centre of the University of Alicante, where technical experts of the unit displayed the functioning and objectives of both bodies, as well as the impact achieved.
Overall, it was a successful Study Visit, full of cheerful and insightful moments. We are delighted to share innovative practices and collaborate in building a more inclusive and accessible higher education system in Rwanda!
