Through the We Can Work program, Rwanda helps its young people with disabilities achieve their career goals. This initiative, led by the Government of Rwanda and the National Union of Disability Organizations in Rwanda (NUDOR), with backing from Light for the World and the Mastercard Foundation, aims to remove barriers faced by young people with disabilities in accessing education, training, and employment. The program operates in seven African countries, with the goal of impacting 30 million young people with disabilities by 2030.

In Rwanda, We Can Work offers vocational training, leadership skills, and job placement to help disabled youth overcome challenges like discrimination, limited accessibility, and negative societal attitudes. Many young people, such as Japheth Habimana, who dreamt of becoming a professional farmer, and Alliance Ukwishaka, who wished to open a hair salon, faced obstacles due to their disabilities and societal perceptions. The program provides them with hope, confidence, and structured support to pursue alternative career paths.

According to Alliance Ukwishaka, the We Can Work program is a “chance from heaven to gain skills, independence, and access to meaningful employment”.

By collaborating with local governments, nonprofits, and media outlets, We Can Work seeks to promote inclusive hiring practices and raise awareness about the value of employing people with disabilities. The initiative also helps reduce reliance on social welfare programs and enriches communities by fostering diversity and inclusion in the workforce. Through ongoing monitoring and evaluation, the program aims to create sustainable opportunities for disabled youth and promote long-term changes in attitudes and policies across Africa.

Ultimately, the program empowers participants not only to achieve economic independence but also to contribute meaningfully to society, demonstrating that having a disability implies multiple possibilities and enormous potential.

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