Photo by Jimbere

Article by Jean Baptiste Gihugu, Project Communications Officer – EMEAA

RUGOMBO, BURUNDI – As part of the KOMEZAWIGE program funded by Education Cannot Wait and implemented by RET in partnership with World Vision and Right To Play, children with disabilities and albino students in Rugombo, Burundi, received essential support tailored to their specific needs.

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Bridging Gaps in Education

During the event, 22 children were equipped with vital aids including wheelchairs, tricycles, crutches, and prosthetics (arms, legs, ankles). Albino students received solar protection kits which included skin oil, hats, and tinted glasses to protect them from harmful UV rays. Additionally, 1,804 schoolbooks were distributed to students in the fourth cycle.

Daniel Kagimbi, RET International’s Country Director, highlighted the significance of these contributions, stating, “These are not just donations; they are tools to ensure equity in education and to allow these children to thrive in a safe and supportive learning environment.”

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Stories of Resilience

One poignant story came from Madame Florance Niyonsaba, the mother of Clovis, an albino child. She recounted the initial rejection by her in-laws and how the awareness campaigns facilitated by the KOMEZAWIGE program helped her son gain access to education, restoring both their dignity and rights. Florance expressed her gratitude, “RET has restored my hope. Thanks to their support, my son can now learn and grow in better conditions.” She also called for continued efforts to combat the discrimination that albino children still face.

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Significant Progress for Rugombo

Since the launch of the program in 2022, Rugombo has witnessed substantial educational improvements. Previously ranking 4th in provincial assessments, the Commune’s Directorate of Education now consistently ranks first, a testament to the program’s success. This progress is due to various initiatives:

• Training teachers in inclusive teaching methods.
• Organizing campaigns for birth registration to ensure all children are accounted for in the educational system.
• Establishing environmental clubs in 32 schools to promote sustainability education.
• Strengthening child protection committees across 17 localities in the commune to safeguard children’s rights.

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Local authorities, including Mr. Firmin, Permanent Secretary of Rugombo, highlighted the community’s vital role in preserving the donated materials. He remarked, “Take good care of these materials. They are valuable, and their impact can truly transform lives.”

Initiatives like KOMEZAWIGE demonstrate the far-reaching benefits of investing in inclusive, quality education. They do more than change individual lives—they uplift entire communities. In Rugombo, this initiative served as a beacon of hope, restoring dignity and offering a promise of a brighter future for children who are often overlooked.

Photo by Jimbere

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