June 2025 Rwanda Action Newsletter

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I've recently returned from an inspiring visit to Rwanda, and I'm thrilled to share some remarkable developments in our work to empower communities and reduce poverty in southwest Rwanda. From my desk in the UK, I have daily contact with our team on the ground, but it makes a huge difference to spend time with them where the ‘magic’ happens.

Transforming Education: Schools of Excellence Take Shape

Our commitment to inclusive education has reached a significant milestone with the development of three Schools of Excellence in Special Needs and Inclusive Education (SESNIEs). These pioneering schools are creating pathways for children with disabilities to access quality education alongside their peers.

Groupe Scolaire Pera and Groupe Scolaire Rwahi in Rusizi district and St Catherine's School in Nyamasheke district (which is supported by our partners at Loveaid, South Korea). All three SESNIEs will be ready to welcome the first intake of students in September.

I visited the new classrooms we have built to serve as Semi Inclusive Learning Units (SILUs) at each school. The picture above shows the SILU at GS Rwahi with the whole school lining up at the start of the day.

These specially designed spaces allow children with intellectual disabilities to attend mainstream school and become valued members of their school communities. Each SILU features an adapted curriculum delivered by teachers specially trained in special needs education. The picture above shows the inside of the SILU at GS Pera, waiting for furniture. The chalkboard is lowered to allow wheelchair users to take part in interactive lessons.

The creation of these learning spaces has also provided an opportunity to support local enterprise. We've contracted a local carpenter to craft all the desks, chairs, cupboards, and shelves for our new classrooms. This carpenter is training two young people with disabilities from the Alivera Village, demonstrating our commitment to creating opportunities at every level.

Additional works carried out include improvements to access throughout the school, including toilets, according to the needs of each school. We want to go as far as possible in making schools truly inclusive and welcoming to staff, students and visitors. Something as simple as a basic ramp into a classroom or an accessible, clean toilet can give dignity and independence. We also supplied water tanks to harvest rainwater from the roofs.

Alivera Village: A Hub of Learning and Growth

The Alivera Village continues to be a beacon of hope, currently supporting 32 young people with disabilities through our vocational training and work experience programme. Our trainees are developing skills in: Carpentry, Shoemaking, Sewing, Knitting, Hairdressing, Farming and Culinary skills at our on-site restaurant

Under the leadership of our new Business Manager, James, we've strengthened our culinary programme by recruiting a new cook and assistant at the restaurant. Three trainees are now learning essential skills, opening doors to employment in Rwanda's growing hospitality sector.

National Recognition for Our Inclusive Education Work

Our aim in developing these schools is to demonstrate effective and sustainable ways to deliver the government’s Inclusive Education policy that are affordable and importantly, which enable all children to play their part as members of their school community.

Our pioneering approach is gaining recognition! In early June, the Rwanda Education Board chose our pilot SILU at Ntendezi Primary School as the venue for training teachers in special needs education. This recognition of our model demonstrates the impact and scalability of our approach. The government has announced that it would like to develop five SESNIEs nationally.

At Ntendezi, we're particularly proud of our work with deaf children. We currently support eight deaf children in Primary One with a dedicated sign language interpreter. Looking ahead to September, we have another ten deaf children prepared to begin their educational journey. Now that we have a trained Special Needs Education Co-Ordinator in each sector, we are working towards a time when there will be sign language interpreters available wherever there is a need, eliminating the need for residential care for deaf children.

Looking Forward

As we continue to expand our reach and deepen our impact, we're reminded daily of the power of inclusive education to transform lives and communities. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to their community, regardless of their abilities.

Thank you for your continued support in making this vital work possible. Together, we're contributing to a more inclusive society in Rwanda.

Warm regards

Janyis Watson

CEO, Rwanda Action