Eighteen-year-old Sylvie Irakoze is a cheerful student who is easily noticeable in her class. She sits at the front in a slightly lower chair, with a pen held between her toes, writing as the teacher dictates notes. Wearing an orange T-shirt and green uniform, this physically disabled senior two student has positioned her legs on a lower table to facilitate her writing. Her hands are unable to grasp or perform any tasks, other than maintaining her body's stability. ALSO READ: Govt urged to enforce implementation of special needs education policy She performs every task that one does with their hands using her legs and occasionally seeks help when necessary, such as in showering. Irakoze appears happy due to the supportive and caring environment provided by her fellow students and teachers. She aspires to be a secretary in the future and has a passion for computers. She also enjoys singing and storytelling in her free time. One of the challenges she encounters is lagging behind while writing notes as using her toes is hectic and slow, and the table isn’t comfortable to use. ALSO READ: Novel project to revolutionarise inclusiveness in Rwanda’s high education But regardless of the challenges, Irakoze appreciates the fact that she has a chance and right to education. Irakoze is among many students with disabilities including the blind and deaf who acquire inclusive education from HVP Gatagara Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Hospital. The hospital promotes orthopedic care to persons with disabilities to ensure quality and accessibility, and an excellent education for children with disabilities, thus allowing them to achieve a better quality of life and enhancing the process of reintegration. According to the Director of HVP Gatagara, Frere Kizito Misago, people with physical disabilities and those whose legs were amputated are supported with limb replacements so as to execute their work without any limitations, or depending on others for support. Since the hospital’s establishment in 1960, it has constructed a paediatric ward, uses Open Medical Record System (OpenMRS) for billing and clinical systems, has a permanent surgeon, and acquired equipment, materials, and 3D technology, Misago explained. “Some of the organisations that have supported us to provide quality education and better services to the patients is the United Nations Development Programme — UNDP Rwanda. They provided us with IT-based teaching instruction tools such as smart boards, computers, and teachers’ training.” According to Immy Mulekatete, the Head of Communications at UNDP Rwanda, the partnership with HVP Gatagara since 2018 has been thriving. “We supported the centre in acquiring a cutting-edge 3D computer-aided design and manufacturing machine for orthotics and prosthetics. This innovative technology not only enhances efficiency but also elevates the quality of limbs, offering a new chance on life for those in need,” Mulekatete stated. She also noted that UNDP Rwanda provided comprehensive training to the skilled technicians, to master the novel technology for the benefit of every individual they serve. The organisation also gave the centre smart boards, to enable students with disabilities to learn and explore knowledge, and offered advanced occupational therapy and physiotherapy equipment. “We also facilitated training in sign language, nurturing inclusive communication and understanding among all. The essence of our partnership is to empower every individual with disabilities, fostering a world where abilities shine brighter than limitations. We are driven by the passion to create a future where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and achieve their dreams.” Misago calls upon the Ministry of Health to ensure that community insurance covers all services so that everyone is able to afford them, for example, neurology services.
