Several students with physical disabilities walked away with various prizes after competing in talent show on Friday.

The competition, organised by the University of Rwanda’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences to raise awareness on ability of disabled students, featured poems, singing, drama and both traditional and modern dance.

The show was held under the theme, "Disability is not inability.”

The contestants were drawn from HVP (Home de la vierge des pauvres) Gatagara (Rwamagana campus) and the College of Medicine and Health Sciences pursuing courses related to disabilities, including physiotherapy, kinesitherapy, prosthetics (Kigali and Nyamishaba campuses).

The best students in each group won Sulfo products such as soaps, cosmetics and water, to use for a whole year.

Helmelgide Uwitonze, a student, pursuing level three laboratory sciences at HVP Gatagara in Rwamagana, said he is grateful society now recognises their ability.

He urged people who still consider disability as inability to change their mindset.

"It is good that we currently go to school like others. We are happy that government has recognised our abilities, but we need more awareness campaigns on our ability so that even those who still have negative perception can change,” Uwitonze said.

Prof. Philip Cotton, the college’s principal, said it is time for every one to understand that disability is not inability."We believe that every human has a hidden talent and it is the moment to show what disabled students are able to do through their talents,” he said.

Gaston Rusiha, a Member of Parliament representing the disabled, challenged people living with disabilities to get involved in every day life.

"In the past, people with disabilities were denied their rights, especially the right to education, were called derogatory names Ibimuga (old calabashes). But we now enjoy all rights like others; it is up to us to be involved in whatever is done for us because there is nothing for us without us,” MP Rusiha said.

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