Rwanda's strides toward inclusion of previously marginalised persons

What is the true moral test of a government? What is the best measure of civilisation within governments? In Mahatma Gandhi’s words, a nation’s greatness can be measured by how it treats its weakest members; those in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped. In July, Rwanda’s efforts to advance inclusion of people living with disabilities in different aspects of life was evident as a delegation of seven Rwandans took part in Special Olympics in Los Angeles, USA. Among those cheering them on was President Paul Kagame and the US First Lady, Michele Obama, who praised them for their courage and determination. The international sporting event, which takes place every four years, features persons with mental disabilities engaging in activities such as athletics and swimming. The 2015 Olympics was the fourth time since Rwanda participated. The group who, according to their advocacy bodies, has been previously secluded by their communities, have in the recent past had a chance to be get involved in the development programmes of the country. Charles Gahire, the president of Special Olympics Rwanda, says with an estimated 12,800 mentally disabled persons in the country, it has been important for them to ensure that they do not feel isolated. Though the Olympics only takes place once every four years, the athletes are kept engaged in activities that enable them to develop psychologically, physically and socially. “Across the country, there are centres run by individuals and groups of well-wishers taking care of the disabled. At the Special Olympics, we use sports as a special purpose vehicle to ensure that they feel part and parcel of the community,” Gahire says. The body also uses programmes where people living with disabilities receive healthcare and leadership development in order to empower them have a say in their community. “With all these initiatives, we work towards eradicating stigma, isolation or abuse against people living with disabilities,” he says. Currently, the support from the International Special Olympics body goes as far as meeting the local office and salaries for staff needs are concerned. Gahire says that in the future, they hope to forge alliances and partnerships with like-minded partners to go beyond sporting activities. Already, he says, they have had fruitful deliberations with the Ministry of Sports and Culture, laying ground for close collaboration. “We hope to improve our members’ standing in society. We also hope that in the coming days we can construct a centre for them, complete with sporting facilities and even lobby for their inclusion in employment in certain jobs,” Gahire says. Since they began operations in 2003, Gahire says, there is noticeable change in the way communities interact with mentally disabled persons, improvement of their social standing and growing their self-esteem. Social workers and sociology experts say by involving them in such activities, members of society can begin to look at the mentally disabled differently and cease to isolate them. Pauline Wanjiku, a Kenyan sociologist, says sporting activities as a vehicle towards inclusion for marginalised people has a big impact, including reducing past incidences of families locking them up. “For persons with disabilities, enabling them to take part in such activities plays a huge role in improving their self-esteem and showing them that they have not been left behind,” she says. This was the fourth time that a team from Rwanda was taking part in the Olympics; the country has previously featured in similar events in Ireland, China and Greece.

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Rwanda's strides toward inclusion of previously marginalised persons