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Children Programs
What We Do in Children Programs
UWEZO delivers integrated, child-centered interventions that improve education access, health, protection, and family support for children with disabilities. In 2025, the program focused on strengthening systems at school, family, and community levels to ensure children with disabilities can access services, participate fully, and live with dignity.
Access to Education
Enrollment of Children with Disabilities in Schools
UWEZO strengthened inclusive education systems across multiple districts, reaching:
1,386
children with disabilities
581 girls · 805 boys
6
districts
159
schools
Key Interventions
- ✓Identification and re-enrolment of out-of-school children with disabilities
- ✓Functional assessments and individualized support plans
- ✓Continuous follow-up to ensure retention and participation
- ✓Strengthening inclusive learning environments in schools
Mentorship Support in Schools
- ✓Deployment of 62 youth mentors with disabilities
- ✓Mentors provided peer support, guidance, and inclusion monitoring
Impact
Improved school access and retention
Strengthened inclusive education practices
Increased participation of children with disabilities in learning
Inclusive Transport Support (with NESA and RURA)
To address mobility barriers, UWEZO collaborated with national institutions to improve transport accessibility for children with disabilities in Kigali.
Key Interventions
- ✓Deployment of trained youth volunteers with disabilities at bus stations
- ✓Support for safe boarding and seating
- ✓Provision of basic sign language interpretation where possible
Impact
Reduced travel risks for children with disabilities
Lower burden on parents and caregivers
Improved consistent school attendance
Access to Health
Medical Treatment and Assistive Devices
UWEZO integrated health services into education support to improve wellbeing and participation.
Key Achievements
- ✓72 children with disabilities (34 girls, 48 boys) received medical services
- ✓Provision of assistive devices such as mobility aids and functional supports
Impact
Improved access to school environments
Increased participation in learning activities
Enhanced functional independence
Mental Health Support
UWEZO strengthened mental health and psychosocial support systems through collaboration with health centers.
Key Interventions
- ✓Training youth mentors to identify psychosocial distress
- ✓Providing basic emotional support in schools and communities
- ✓Establishing referral pathways for specialized care
- ✓Ongoing outreach including counseling, home visits, and community sensitization
Coverage
Implemented in Gasobo, Ngororero, and Kirehe
Impact
Improved early identification of mental health needs
Increased access to psychosocial support
Strengthened safeguarding and emotional wellbeing
WASH Materials
UWEZO improved hygiene, dignity, and school participation through targeted WASH support, reaching:
378
children with disabilities
150 girls · 228 boys
18
children supported with diapers
Support Provided
- ✓Soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and Vaseline
- ✓Sanitary pads for girls
- ✓Diapers for 18 children with high support needs
Impact
Reduced absenteeism
Improved hygiene and health outcomes
Enhanced dignity and comfort in school environments
ASPIRE (Adaptive Sports Inclusion and Recreation)
The ASPIRE Project promotes inclusive and adapted sports for children with disabilities through school- and community-based initiatives.
Key Achievements
- ✓37 youth mentors with disabilities (coaches) trained
- ✓15 sports teachers trained in inclusive sports methodologies
- ✓25 SERUKA MWANA clubs established in 25 schools
- ✓Implemented across Burera, Gasabo, Kicukiro, Kirehe, and Musanze
Key Interventions
- ✓Regular structured sports activities in schools
- ✓Community sports events promoting inclusion and awareness
- ✓Engagement of children and youth with disabilities in sports
Impact
Increased participation of children with disabilities in sports
Strengthened inclusive practices in schools
Improved community awareness and acceptance
Mentorship
Parent Support Groups (PSGs)
Mentorship at UWEZO supports children with disabilities and their families through continuous guidance, follow-up, and empowerment.
Key Achievements
- ✓38 Parent Support Groups established
- ✓1,561 parents and caregivers engaged (713 males · 848 females)
Support Provided
- ✓Training on positive parenting and disability inclusion
- ✓Financial literacy and savings group formation
- ✓Peer support and experience sharing
Impact
Establishment of saving and lending schemes
Launch of income-generating activities
Improved household capacity to support children’s needs
Livelihood and Economic Empowerment (Household Level)
To support children’s wellbeing, UWEZO strengthened household economic resilience.
Key Interventions
- ✓Training caregivers in financial literacy and income generation
- ✓Supporting families in small-scale economic activities (agriculture, livestock)
Impact
Increased household income stability
Improved ability to cover children’s needs (education, health, hygiene)
Reduced economic barriers to school attendance and care
Advocacy Programs
We are committed to advocating for the rights and empowerment of children and youth with disabilities through collaboration with institutions and agencies.
Uwezo Youth Empowerment (UWEZO) is an organization established by youth with disabilities. Our mission is to serve as a platform for children and young people with disabilities that promotes equal access to human rights, education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
Through European Union funding, UWEZO and Save the Children International – Rwanda Country Office signed an agreement to implement a three-year project (2023—2026). Learn More
We advocate for access to work and employment for youth with disabilities across formal, informal, and non-formal sectors. Learn More
We advocate for the provision of quality education at primary, secondary, technical schools, and universities through lobbying visits, developing position papers, and continued engagement with institutions.
Self Advocates: We train children and youth with disabilities to become their own advocates—building the next generation of leaders who master their issues.
We advocate for the inclusion of children and youth with disabilities and other marginalized groups in sexual and reproductive health programs.
As the only cross-disability organization for youth with disabilities, advocacy and awareness on rights remains at the core of our operations.
UWEZO champions the realization of the rights and empowerment of children and youth with disabilities through collaboration with national, regional, and international agencies.
Become volunteer
Join our mission to make a positive Impact! As a volunteer, you will work directly within our organization to mainstream the rights of children and youth with disabilities.