The Rwandan government encourages parents to enroll children with disabilities in Early Childhood Development centres, addressing the shortage of qualified caregivers. Minister Patrice Mugenzi emphasized the need for parental acknowledgment of disabilities and highlighted initiatives to train caregivers. Despite providing mobility aids, challenges remain, and all new ECD centres are being made accessible to accommodate these children.
The Rwandan government is urging parents of children with disabilities to enroll them in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres as part of its broader initiative to enhance support for these children. Minister Patrice Mugenzi highlighted this on March 12 during discussions about the 2023/24 Rwanda Governance Board report, addressing the current shortage of qualified caregivers and teachers. The report indicated that only over 6 percent of children with disabilities receive adequate care.
Minister Mugenzi underscored the significance of encouraging parents to acknowledge their children’s disabilities, as many hesitate to do so. A nationwide assessment revealed 561,620 individuals with disabilities, leading authorities to collaborate with partners to promote ECD enrollment. Community health workers and family support groups are actively engaged in supporting these children, having been trained to provide the necessary care and integration into ECD programs.
Support structures for the parents of children with disabilities have also been established, including parent support groups that offer training on caregiving techniques. Mugenzi reported that in the 2023/24 fiscal year, partners supplied 450 mobility aids, such as orthoses and prostheses, to children in need. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, with not all children receiving the mobility aids they require. The ministry aims to prioritize those in urgent need by reviewing and categorizing disabilities.
Furthermore, Minister Mugenzi stated that all newly constructed ECD centres adhere to accessibility standards to ensure accommodation for children with disabilities, emphasizing their equal right to opportunities and care.
In conclusion, the Rwandan government is making concerted efforts to enhance support for children with disabilities through various initiatives. By encouraging parental involvement in ECD programs and training community health workers, Rwanda aims to improve the quality of care and accessibility for these children. Continuous assessment and collaboration with partners will be crucial in addressing existing challenges and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
