News

The ANSWER Project 1st Multi-stakeholder Forum held on 4 March at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV), brought together key stakeholders to discuss and refine policy reforms aimed at fostering inclusivity in Higher Education (HE) in Rwanda. The forum, an insightful and engaging platform, provided an opportunity for participants to review draft policy recommendations and ensure alignment with the needs of students with disabilities, academic institutions, policymakers, and other key actors in the sector.

As part of the ANSWER project, which aims to equip Rwandan higher education stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, capacities, and technology needed to bridge the gap between policy and implementation regarding inclusion, accessibility, and disability, the forum focused on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. The mission of the project is to promote equal opportunities for students with disabilities and create a diverse, empowering academic ecosystem.

The Ministry of Education (Rwanda) representative, Mr.Emmanuel BUTERA, delivering opening remarks

Key discussions and objectives
A major highlight of the forum was the presentation of policy reform proposals developed by the Multi-Stakeholder Working Group (MSWG). These proposals were examined in-depth, with stakeholders providing valuable input to ensure they effectively address the barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education.

MINEDUC and UR, among participating institutions represented by senior staff

Participants also engaged in discussions on strategic inclusion topics, emphasizing best practices and solutions that promote equitable access to education. Additionally, the D8.3 Report on the current status of inclusion in HE was reviewed, with its findings and recommendations serving as a foundation for future policy direction.

A section of participants engaging in group discussions

Shaping policy for greater inclusion
The discussions centered on four key areas :
– Policy reform proposals for students with disabilities – Participants analyzed ways to create more inclusive learning environments, including accessibility improvements and institutional support mechanisms.
– Strategic inclusion topics in HEIs – Key focus areas included the role of technology in promoting inclusive education, faculty training on disability inclusion, and the importance of student support services.
– Review of the D8.3 Report on Inclusion – The findings from this report highlighted existing gaps in inclusive education and provided evidence-based recommendations for policy adjustments.
– Insights to shape the D8.4 Report for the Ministry of Education – The forum’s outcomes will contribute to this critical policy document, ensuring that the Ministry receives comprehensive recommendations to drive impactful reforms.

Group discussions allowed participants to explore key issues in depth and propose practical solutions for inclusive higher education

Towards policy action
Insights from the forum will be compiled into the D8.4 Interim Multi-Stakeholder Forum Report, a document that will be submitted to the Ministry of Education. This report will capture key recommendations and commitments made during the discussions, ensuring that the perspectives of all stakeholders—particularly students with disabilities—are reflected in Rwanda’s higher education policies.

Students and staff with disabilities who participated provided valuable contributions to the discussions

With a shared commitment to driving impactful reforms, the ANSWER 1st Multi-Stakeholder Forum marked a significant step toward a more inclusive and equitable higher education system. The engagement and contributions of stakeholders underscored the collective responsibility to remove barriers and create opportunities for all students.

Removing barriers and creating opportunities for all students is a collective responsibility for all

The ANSWER project brings together several key partners, including University of Alicante (Spain), University of Macedonia (Greece), University of Rwanda, Institute of Applied Sciences Ruhengeri, East African University Rwanda, the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Education Rwanda, and Uwezo Youth Empowerment. These partners collaborate to enhance higher education and promote social inclusion in Rwanda. The shared goal is to provide equal opportunities for students with disabilities while creating a supportive academic environment across the region.

Participants in the ANSWER 1st Multi-stakeholder Forum posing for a group photo

Story by

NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
PRO,UR-CE &UR ANSWER Project Communication Officer