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.
