People living with disabilities have for long been considered helpless, with little or no hope of performing certain activities by themselves. However, this could change soon following the launch of an occupational therapy programme.
People living with disabilities have for long been considered helpless, with little or no hope of performing certain activities by themselves.
However, this could change soon following the launch of an occupational therapy programme.
The four-year bachelors degree programme launched yesterday in Kigali was approved by Cabinet last December.
Through a three-year partnership agreement with Handicap International, students can register for the degree at the University of Rwanda.
While launching the programme, Prof James McWha, the vice chancellor of University of Rwanda, expressed great optimism in the programme to fill the void of occupational therapists.
"Such a programme will ensure that people with disabilities benefit, as well as those who treat them,” McWha said.
McWha, who also commended efforts of international partners, added that the programme is a huge step towards improving health science in Rwanda.
"We are grateful for the support and we may need more in the future. It is good to see such a programme at this stage because graduates will be able to meet international standards,” he added.
Occupational therapy, which involves the use of assessment and treatment to develop, necessitates therapists to work with disabled clients to help them live a better life.
State of occupational therapy in the country
There are three occupational therapists currently in Rwanda, with two working at the Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe.
However, with the inception of the programme last year, 14 students were admitted at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, and this year, more 14 have registered bringing the total to 28 in school.
The programme is supported by Handicap International and training facilitated by the University of Ghent in Belgium.
Cathy Dimbarre Kpehounton, the country director for Handicap International, promised more commitment to support the programme in Rwanda.
"Development of occupational health is linked to social transformation and there was lack of these services. This is why we encourage the development of qualified staff and we shall do our best to encourage the programme in Rwanda,” Dimbarre said.
Epiphanie Murebwayire, an occupational therapist at Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe, pointed out that most people with disabilities have similar needs as those of their able bodied people.
"Most of them are disabled with non-functional body areas, yet they want to do something. We use our skills to help these patients live more independently,” Murebwayire said.