Partners:
EU Partners
EU partners: University of Alcante (Spain, coordinator) & University of Macedonia (Greece)
Rwandan partners
University of Rwanda-College of Education (public HEI): the coordinator in Rwanda
INES-Ruhengeri (private HEI)
East African University (private HEI)
National Council of People with disability (public
Ministry of Education (public)
UWEZO Youth Empowerment (NGO)
Associated partner
Rwanda National Students’ Association - RNSA-INTAGAMBURUZWA
ANSWER
ANSWER is a project that equips Rwandan higher education (HE) stakeholders with the necessary knowledge, skills, capacities, and technology to address the gap between policy and implementation in terms of inclusion, accessibility, and disability. We have identified a suitable environment for improvement, but the top-down regulatory framework at the HE level is in need of an urgent bottom-up development of contextualized policy intervention..
WIDE OBJECTIVE
Closing the gap between policies/laws and implementation in matters of disability and inclusion.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
Inclusive Framework:
To create an inclusive framework through the creation/expansion of Support Centres for students with disabilities, frame a national policy to devise pathways for an inclusive HE system and equip with assistive technologies in order to enhance services provision for SWDs.
Internship Scheme
To devise an internship scheme for SWDs, underpinned by a policy on inclusion & success with a disability-inclusive approach, facilitating access to the labour market and equal job opportunities by collaborating with employers.
Capacity Building and Awareness
Promote capacity building and awareness within the Rwandan higher education system. We aim to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of stakeholders through modern inclusion practices, training programs, and networking opportunities. This will foster a more inclusive and accessible environment for students with disabilities.
Sustainability and Collaboration
Ensure sustainability and ownership of project results by empowering partners in Rwandan universities to become agents of change for real inclusion and diversity within the higher education system. We will actively engage with employers, policymakers, and civil society organizations to promote economic growth and social development by tapping into the unexploited talent of Rwandan students with disabilities.
News
Second Train of Trainers
Advance Inclusion for Students with Disabilities on Higher Education in Rwanda (ANSWER Project)
From the 19th -22nd March 2024, INES-Ruhengeri hosted the 2nd Training of Trainers and Management Meeting organized by ANSWER Project. The training was focusing to Promotion of Equal Access in Academic and Social life for all in Rwandan Higher Education. The Trainers were experts from the University of Alicante and the University of Macedonia who are among the partners in the project implementation. Mainly the participants discussed Digital accessibility. They were 31 participants who came from University of Rwanda, INES-Ruhengeri, East African University of Rwanda, MINEDUC, NCPD, UWEZO, University of Alicante (Spain), and University of Macedonia (Greece).
Through the welcoming speech, the Vice Chancellor of INES Ruhengeri, Fr Dr Jean Bosco BARIBESHYA, was confirming full sport of INES-Ruhengeri to the project and the wish to have a more accessible Campus, both physically and culturally. He was also inviting people in education system to promote inclusion and accessibility with great effort , and unlock the untapped potential of Students with Disabilities by empowering them in the way they can benefit like others from the opportunities higher education offers.
After the training, on 22nd March 2024, there was a Management Meeting of project to discuss specific matters related to the project implementation. The Management Meeting was an opportunity for the partners to discuss work packages, deliverables or outputs expected and respective responsibilities from the beginning of the project in March 2023; develop action plans to be implemented in the next six-month period to the 3 Train of Trainers and Management Meeting which will take place in July 2024 at EAUR-Nyagatare campus.
As INES-Ruhengeri ANSWER team, we acknowledge the immense support from the INES Management and the event ‘s organizing team, Rwandan and European partners and we say thank you for being part of us to the success of the two events.
" Together, Let's build a society where diversity is celebrated and everyone can thrive "
Exciting Developments at INES-Ruhengeri!
INES-Ruhengeri had the opportunity of meeting with the enthusiastic Students Union committee at their university to discuss our project ANSWER. During the meeting, 10 dedicated students were present, whose commitment to representing all students and their appreciation for the project was notable.
The discussion revolved around finding innovative ways to disseminate ANSWER among the student community. Our Students Union partners had some fantastic ideas, especially regarding strategies to reach more students through social media, among others. They recognized the potential of brief, yet complete, messages to be displayed on both their own social media platforms and INES-Ruhengeri's channels, allowing the project to reach a wider audience.
In addition to this, the students were keen on sharing the essence of ANSWER during different meetings of representatives from various student associations. Their belief in the power of spreading the word through personal interactions is commendable, and we are excited about the ripple effect this could create.
Moreover, the idea of volunteering to support students with disabilities received resounding approval from INES-Ruhengeri's Students Union committee. The inspiring example of EU universities and UR, where students without disabilities have been paired with those with disabilities for mutual support, struck a chord with them. Our student representatives expressed their willingness to promote this practice and encourage their peers to be sensitive and supportive of those in need. The idea of providing training to ensure they can communicate effectively with students with disabilities was also highlighted, showcasing their thoughtfulness and dedication to making a positive impact.
We are immensely proud of the Students Union committee for their proactive approach and genuine eagerness to contribute to the success of ANSWER. Together, we are building a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students at INES-Ruhengeri.
Kudos to our amazing students for their unwavering commitment and passion! We look forward to working hand-in-hand with them to bring ANSWER to new heights. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this transformative journey together!
MoU
On Tuesday, 23rd January 2024, INES-Ruhengeri and UWEZO Youth Empowerment had signed an MoU as the beginning of partnership between the two institutions which will focus on empowering university students with disabilities by championing inclusion, accessibility and disability support to unlock their unexploited potential through different opportunities.
