The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)-Rwanda, yesterday launched a project to construct 150 ramps at various primary schools in the Eastern Province to facilitate easy access to the disabled.

The ceremony was held at Nyagasambu Primary School in Rwamagana District, where 12 ramps were constructed.
The project, locally known as Tubakire, is funded by a Polish aid group. It was initiated by ADRA in partnership with the Ministry of Education and supported by UNICEF, with the aim of enabling children with learning challenges to attend school.

Speaking at the ceremony, Esther Nandudu, the project manager at ADRA, said that the construction of the ramps is an expression of support and commitment towards the rights of all children.

She said the wellbeing of children should be everyone’s concern, as they are the future leaders.

"The provision of ramps is in the framework of ensuring child-friendly schools for handicapped children regardless of their special needs” she said.

Dr. Charles Nkuranga, who represented the provincial Governor at the colourful function, said that care for the physically challenged should be embraced by everyone.
He added that experience has shown that handicapped people can perform just as well, even in sophisticated jobs.

"Let all public places and homes simplify movement for the handicapped. Shopping centres, public offices, homes should consider their mobility,” he said.

The head teacher of Janjagira Primary School, Emerance Mujawayezu, noted that there were still more challenges that the handicapped pupils face.

"We don’t have special toilets for the handicapped, and they travel many kilometres to school. This keeps them out of school,” she said.

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