News

The meeting brought together ANSWER partners from Europe and Rwanda

The ANSWER Project Management Meeting, held from March 5–6, 2025, at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, brought together project partners to assess progress, strategize on upcoming deliverables, and reinforce commitments to advancing inclusion for students with disabilities in Rwandan higher education.

A section of participants during group discussion

Strengthening inclusion through policy and practice
The ANSWER Project is dedicated to bridging the gap between policy and implementation in disability inclusion within higher education institutions. By equipping stakeholders with the necessary knowledge, skills, and technology, the project aims to foster accessibility, systemic impact, and institutional transformation.
During the two-day meeting, participants reviewed key work packages, discussed ongoing initiatives, and collaborated on solutions to enhance project outcomes.

Focus on the Disability Industry Internship Program
One of the key discussions centered on the Disability Industry Internship Program, which aims to connect students with disabilities and university staff to meaningful work experiences. A representative from UWEZO Youth Empowerment provided an update on the current internship status, highlighting established partnerships between universities, companies, and organizations to create internship opportunities. A contract is being finalized between UWEZO, universities, and companies, ensuring both students and staff gain hands-on experience in professional settings.

The program does not only focus on students with disabilities but also includes students without disabilities and university staff, promoting broader institutional engagement in inclusive employment practices.
With increasing industry engagement, the program is expanding inclusive career pathways and strengthening commitments to workplace accessibility.

A representative from UWEZO Youth Empowerment provided an update on current internship status
Key highlights of the meeting
Beyond the Disability Industry Internship Program, discussions covered :

 Drafting the Interim Multi-Stakeholder Forum Report (D8.4) – gathering insights from the 1st Multi-Stakeholder Forum.
 Work Package 8 (Systemic Impact) – reviewing next steps, deliverables, and policy development strategies.
 Project Management (WP1) – assessing technical, financial, and administrative aspects to ensure smooth project execution.
 Assistive Technology (WP4) – evaluating the usage recording of technological solutions for students with disabilities.
 Institutional Building (WP7) – reviewing the second pilot training sessions by Support Centres and updates on operational reports.
 Ongoing Dissemination (WP12) – enhancing social media campaigns and awareness-raising initiatives.

As the project moves forward, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to making higher education more inclusive and accessible. The discussions and action plans developed during the meeting will play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable impact across Rwanda’s universities.

Story by

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