Home de la Vierge des Pauvres (HVP), a centre that treats people living with disabilities (PLWD) and trains them in various income generating jobs, has launched a new branch in Kigali.

Commonly known as HVP-Gatagara because Gatagara village in the Southern Province is where it first started its operations, the centre that is managed by Brothers of Charity and has been offering both health services and providing technical skills for PLWD.

Its new branch in Kigali is based in Gikondo and has so far treated nearly2500 PLWD since it started its operations in 2010.

Officials at HVP-Gatagara’s Gikondo branch said that they will focus on availing PLWD with instruments and equipment they need in orthopedic and physiotherapy services.

The Director of HVP-Gikondo, Jean Pierre Nteziryayo, said that HVP is bridging the gap of centres for PLWD in the country with now five HVP centres up and running in Rwanda.

He said that the centres are planning to leverage the use of community-based health insurance, Mutuelle de Santé, to ensure that their clients get access to services.

The General Superior of Brothers of Charity from Rome, Rev. Fr. Dr Rene Stockman, said that the Rwandan government has contributed a lot in supporting PLWD.

"We have to work with the Ministry of Health to improve more on people’s medical care” he said.

Christina Nyirabahutu who was trained by HVP-Gatagara and was raised at the centre after she had lost her leg has encouraged PLWD to keep exploring what they can do to support themselves.

Despite her physical disability, she is now working as a tailor with the Société de Confection Rwandaise (SOCORWA).

"Living with disabilities does not mean that you can’t think; so if I can think then I can work,” she said.