A group of 18 volunteers arrived in the country, early this week, for a two-year period, under the Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), an International charity organization that has been working in Rwanda since 1999.

The volunteers from U.K, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands, Kenya, United States and Australia will be deployed particularly in the development of education and empowering sectors that support people with disabilities.

According to VSO Country Director, Mike Silvey, the volunteers will be working through government structures in 13 districts. From the districts, they will work with several primary schools to contribute towards the improvement of basic education.

"A number of volunteers will focus on teacher training as well as supporting teachers in using low-cost, child-friendly methods. The other group of volunteers will support school heads in improving education management skills,” Silvey said in an interview.

He explained that the volunteers will also work with the Rwanda Union of the Blind and Nyanza District to support the integration of people with disabilities into District Development Plans, in accordance with the law.

"Two years ago, Rwanda worked with a group of volunteers who helped to formulate a sign language dictionary, which is one aspect that has assisted and empowered disabled people here in Rwanda,” Silvey said.

"This time, we are working with the Ministry of Local Government and several bodies that advocate for the rights of the disabled to strengthen national efforts aimed at improving their lives”.

He added that through sharing of skills between volunteers and several national organizations, VSO’s objective of supporting sustainable development in the country will be achieved.

Currently, VSO has over 50 international volunteers operating in Rwanda.

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