Training led by peers
Mapemba visited Rwanda, Ethiopia and Ghana in 2022 following online training in 2021 and 2022. Each country’s group received four days of sessions on human rights, the UN disability convention and advocacy. He reported growing confidence among participants and their determination to take part in decisions affecting them. [1]
Families and self-advocates work together
The Norway-funded Inclusion Matters project ran from 2020 to 2022, partnering with Collectif Tubakunde in Rwanda. It combined self-advocacy training, family workshops and inclusive education work. Rwandan self-advocate Harindintwari Lucien said: “This project has given me confidence.” Regional exchanges allowed groups to share experiences of organising and securing greater participation. [2]
Leadership and practical skills
Separately, Inclusion Africa’s 2023 annual report described self-advocates holding leadership positions in Disability Inclusion Rwanda, naming Nsengiyumva Innocent as vice-chair. The organisation also offered vocational training in tailoring, gardening and cooking to support employment and self-employment.