RWANDA UNION OF THE BLIND

Join us in this Journey

As the Executive Director of the Rwanda Union of the Blind, I am honored to advocate for the rights and equality of persons with visual impairments. It is essential that we, as a society, work together to create an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Persons with visual impairments should not be marginalized or excluded from participating fully in society. They have unique perspectives and talents that can contribute greatly to our communities, and it is our duty to ensure that they have equal access to education, employment, and other opportunities.

I urge the public to join us in our mission to create a more inclusive society for persons with visual impairments. By promoting awareness, understanding, and acceptance, we can break down barriers and create a more equitable world for all. Let us work together to build a society where everyone is valued and respected, and where persons with visual impairments can live their lives to the fullest. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for all.

Dr. Donatilla Kanimba

Executive Director

3000

+
Members
64
Branches
30
Districts

What we do

Our key strategic areas

Members Rights

We bring together Persons with Visual impairments in a national organization to promote their fundamental rights.

Awareness

We raise awareness on needs, potentials and aspirations of Persons with visual impairment in Rwanda.

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Rehabilitation

Through our rehabilitation Centre, we provide training for adults’ blind people in Orientation and Mobility, Activities of Daily living, Braille Literacy, Farming or Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Sport Massage therapy training.

Education

We promote education and rehabilitation of Persons with visual impairment through dialogue with the government and other partners in development.

Prevention

We promote the prevention of blindness and provision of eye care services through dialogue with relevant authorities and partners.

Inclusion

We promote the inclusion of Persons with visual impairment in sport and cultural activities.

Rwanda Union of the Blind in History

Early Efforts in Disability Care in Rwanda

HVP GATAGARA

Before 1994, only Christian missionaries tried to take care of people with disabilities in Rwanda but their efforts could not go far because the government was not involved and there was no law protecting people with disabilities. In the whole country, there was only one center for people with disabilities that admitted blind people to get basic education. This is HVP Gatagara, which was founded by a Roman Catholic Church Missionary in 1962. The school admitted between 5 and 10 blind children annually since 1979 to 1994.

The idea of Founding RUB

Due to the political situation, Rwandans fled their homeland to neighboring countries since 1959. Among the refugees, there were parents of Donatilla Kanimba who fled to Burundi in 1961 and she became totally blind at the age of 5 years in exile. In 1983, when she was still at the university in Kenya, she met someone from Rwanda who told her what was done for blind people at HVP Gatagara. “I was very shocked to hear that they put them together in a center, taught them how to making sisal strings as a career, they left the center after growing up and went to beg all the rest of their life”, RUB co-founder and current executive Director.

Founding Members

Donatilla Kanimba, Bihira Bartumayers, Leandre Rugema, Betty Mukarwego, Dr Patrick Suubi, Dr James Ndahiro and others were among refugees who came back from East Africa countries where they studied and founded Rwanda Union of the Blind. “They started discussing about RUB while we were still in exile until August 1994 when it was finally founded with the able leadership of Dr James Ndahiro as President. In December 1994 the first general meeting which included sighted friends of the new organization was held and in March 1995 RUB appeared in the government official gazette as a fully registered as non-profit organization in Rwanda.

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Why supporting our causes

To enable us provide solutions to our beneficiaries

Empathy and compassion

Lending a helping hand to the Rwanda Union of the Blind shows empathy towards those who face challenges due to their visual impairment, allowing them to feel supported and understood.

Promoting equality and inclusivity

By assisting the Rwanda Union of the Blind, you are advocating for equal opportunities and rights for all persons, regardless of their physical abilities.

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Fostering community and unity

Supporting the Rwanda Union of the Blind helps create a sense of unity within the community, showing that we are all interconnected and can help each other in times of need.

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Making a tangible impact

Your assistance can make a real difference in the lives of blind persons, providing them with resources, support, and opportunities they may not have access to otherwise.

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Spreading awareness and education

By getting involved with the Rwanda Union of the Blind, you can help educate others about the challenges faced by visually impaired persons and promote a more inclusive society.

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Personal fulfillment and growth

Helping those in need can bring a sense of fulfillment and personal growth, as you learn to appreciate your own abilities and make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Let us do it