Rwanda Strengthens Support for Children with Disabilities in Early…

The Rwandan government is promoting Early Childhood Development (ECD) enrolment for children with disabilities amidst ongoing challenges. Minister Patrice Mugenzi reported that while significant efforts are being made to improve access and support, many parents still hesitate to acknowledge disabilities. Community health workers and parent groups are key in providing assistance, with plans to ensure all new ECD centres meet accessibility standards and mobility aids are prioritized for those in need.

The Rwandan government is intensifying its efforts to support children with disabilities by encouraging parents to enroll their children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. Patrice Mugenzi, the Minister of Local Government, made this statement on March 12 during a meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Governance and Gender Affairs, highlighting concerns raised in the 2023/24 Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) report regarding inadequate care for these children, which currently stands at just over 6 percent.

Minister Mugenzi outlined the ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing access to ECD centres for children with disabilities. He noted that a significant barrier is the reluctance of many parents to acknowledge their children’s disabilities, which complicates the provision of appropriate support. A nationwide assessment identified 561,620 individuals with disabilities, categorizing them to improve awareness and encourage ECD enrolment.

To facilitate this process, the minister emphasized the vital role of community health workers and family support groups. Training has been provided to caregivers and health workers nationwide, ensuring that children with disabilities receive necessary care and are integrated into ECD programs. Mugenzi conveyed the message that these children deserve the same opportunities as any other.

Support for parents of children with disabilities is also a focus, with the establishment of parent support groups offering training on caregiving techniques, including methods to straighten limbs. In the current fiscal year, partners have supplied 450 mobility aids, including orthoses and prostheses, to children in need, although challenges in distribution persist.

Mugenzi acknowledged the need for improvement, noting that not all children requiring mobility aids have received them. The ministry is actively reviewing and categorizing disabilities to prioritize urgent needs in their planning. Furthermore, he assured that all new ECD centres comply with accessibility regulations to better accommodate children with disabilities.

In conclusion, Rwanda is implementing vital measures to improve support for children with disabilities through early childhood development initiatives. By encouraging parents to enroll their children, training caregivers, and ensuring compliance with accessibility regulations in ECD centres, the government aims to enhance the care and opportunities available to these children. Continuing efforts include addressing mobility aid shortages and raising public awareness, highlighting the commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw