MP Pierre Claver Rwaka yesterday urged Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) to always carry out their activities with confidence, saying that it is the only way to achieving their goals in life.

Rwaka, who represents PLWDs in Parliament, made the call while addressing the gathering that had turned up for the International Day of PLWDs which was marked in Rwanda yesterday.

"This day should remind us of the need to be united… we are lucky that there is political will by our government to solve our problems,” Rwaka said yesterday. "Even though we have some challenges, when united and have confidence in ourselves which we can overcome them.”
During the celebrations, various testimonies from people with disabilities were heard. 

Oliver Akobasingiza, an athlete, encouraged other PLWDs to get involved in sports which she said it will help them psychologically, socially, morally and physically.

In a separate interview, Akobasingiza said that PLWDs face various challenges, including accessing loans to startup businesses and stigma.

The international disability day was organized by the national federation of PLWDs (FENAPH), with the support from Volunteer Services Overseas (VSO) and  the Government.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims at promoting better understanding of disability issues with focus on the rights of persons with disabilities and gains to be derived from their integration in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their respective communities.

Ends