People living with disabilities in Nyarugenge District yesterday, received wheelchairs in a bid to improve their quality of life.

Food for the Hungry (FH), in partnership with the National Council of People with Disabilities in Rwanda, donated 45 wheelchairs to people living with disabilities. The wheelchairs are being distributed countrywide.

The donation is part of the 550 wheelchairs that were donated by FH Rwanda and US-based humanitarian organisation Free Wheelchair Mission.

Beneficiaries include people who were physically impaired during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Speaking at the function, FH Rwanda programme manager Innocent Mutabaruka encouraged the beneficiaries to believe in their capacity to contribute towards nation building.

"Our presence here today demonstrates solidarity for Rwandans with disabilities, especially those who were physically impaired during the tragic events of 1994,” he said.

He promised more support towards the welfare of PLWDs in order to help them achieve self sustainance.

MP Gaston Rusiha, who represents people with disabilities in Parliament, lauded government for putting in place policies that help address their challenges.

"We are very grateful for continued government’s support,” he said in his speech.

Alphonsine Mukeshimana, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, commended the donors for their good gesture.

We believe that with the wheelchairs we can now do a lot more and significantly participate in the development of our country, she said.

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