We are proud to announce that our brand new Nyabihu School for Deaf Children is now open!
In 2015, the Rwandan Government announced plans to demolish the old school as part of its road expansion programme. So, we set out to build a new one. Today we are holding the opening ceremony for the completely new buildings, made possible thanks to your support!
The Deaf School is the only one of its kind in the district. It provides support to children with disabilities, especially those with communication disabilities like children with a hearing impairment.
Connie Wu, Rwanda Country Director, explains: “This is a new beginning of something great as this project has materialised from a local leader’s passion to ensure that deaf children and all children with disabilities can exercise their rights to education. Our aim is to see that all children, regardless of learning needs, can learn in the same classroom, in an inclusive and conducive environment.”
Team Abana and Chance for Childhood Staff at the opening ceremony
Globally, children with disabilities remain one of the main groups that continue to be excluded from education around the world. Those who do attend school are more likely to be excluded in the classroom and to drop out.
At the Global Disability Summit in London in July this year, we were delighted that the Government of Rwanda committed to adopt the ‘Inclusive and Special Needs Education Policy’ by 2020 and to support all schools to become inclusive by the end of 2020.
The new school is a great example of supporting the Government of Rwanda in achieving its commitments in delivering inclusive education. It provides evidence of the significance to invest in deaf children’s education, teacher training, and raising awareness in local communities to improve attitudes towards children and persons with disabilities.
This new school is the beginning of something great in Rwanda. Together we can do more to ensure that no child is forgotten – no matter what their disability.
A big thank you in particular to Team Abana, Think Money Group, the Guernsey Overseas Aid & Development Commission, Isobel Blakeley and Stephen Waldron Architects for making this construction possible!
