ANSWER is a project that equips Rwandan higher education (HE) stakeholders with the necessary knowledge, skills, capacities, and technology to address the gap between policy and implementation in terms of inclusion, accessibility, and disability. We have identified a suitable environment for improvement, but the top-down regulatory framework at the HE level is in need of an urgent bottom-up development of contextualized policy intervention.

Vision:

Our vision is to create an inclusive higher education system in Rwanda where students with disabilities have equal opportunities, access to quality education, and can thrive without barriers.

Mission:

Our mission is to equip Rwandan higher education stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, capacities, and technology needed to bridge the gap between policy and implementation in terms of inclusion, accessibility, and disability. We strive to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that values diversity, empowers individuals, and promotes equal opportunities for students with disabilities.

Objectives:

• Inclusive Framework: Create an inclusive framework through the establishment and expansion of Support Centers for students with disabilities. This includes framing a national policy that devises pathways for an inclusive higher education system. Additionally, we aim to equip these centers with assistive technologies to enhance service provision for students with disabilities.
• Internship Scheme: Devise an internship scheme for students with disabilities that is underpinned by a policy on inclusion and success with a disability-inclusive approach. This scheme will facilitate access to the labor market and ensure equal job opportunities for students with disabilities by collaborating with employers.
• Capacity Building and Awareness: Promote capacity building and awareness within the Rwandan higher education system. We aim to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of stakeholders through modern inclusion practices, training programs, and networking opportunities. This will foster a more inclusive and accessible environment for students with disabilities.
• Sustainability and Collaboration: Ensure sustainability and ownership of project results by empowering partners in Rwandan universities to become agents of change for real inclusion and diversity within the higher education system. We will actively engage with employers, policymakers, and civil society organizations to promote economic growth and social development by tapping into the unexploited talent of Rwandan students with disabilities.

Through our vision, mission, and objectives, we strive to transform the higher education landscape in Rwanda and create a society where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can access education, succeed, and contribute to the development of the nation.

PARTNERS