The Rwandan government is urging parents to enroll children with disabilities in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres while addressing caregiver shortages. Efforts include raising awareness, training community health workers, and providing mobility aids. Challenges remain in parental acknowledgment and aid distribution, but new ECD centres comply with accessibility standards.
The Rwandan government is advocating for the enrollment of children with disabilities in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. This initiative aims to address the current shortage of qualified caregivers and teachers, as articulated by Patrice Mugenzi, the Minister of Local Government, during a session with the Parliamentary Committee on Governance and Gender Affairs on March 12. The recent Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) report highlighted inadequate care for children with disabilities at just over 6 percent.
Minister Mugenzi emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance care and access for these children in ECD centres. A significant obstacle is the reluctance of many parents to acknowledge their children’s disabilities, which hampers the provision of necessary support. A nationwide assessment has identified 561,620 individuals with disabilities, allowing authorities to categorize and address their specific needs.
To facilitate enrollment in ECD centres, the government has shared disability data with partners to promote awareness and encourage parental involvement. Community health workers and family support groups play a crucial role in providing assistance and care for these children. Training has been provided to ensure optimal care and integration into ECD programmes, reaffirming that these children deserve equal opportunities.
In addition to support for children, the government has established parent support groups, offering training on care strategies, including assistance with physical mobility. During the 2023/24 fiscal year, partners supplied 450 mobility aids, including orthoses and prostheses. However, challenges persist, as not all children in need have received adequate support yet. The ministry is actively reviewing and categorizing disabilities to prioritize urgent cases in its planning.
Furthermore, Minister Mugenzi confirmed that all newly constructed ECD centres comply with accessibility standards to accommodate children with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive environment for their development.
In conclusion, the Rwandan government is making concerted efforts to bolster support for children with disabilities by promoting their integration into Early Childhood Development centres. Key challenges include parental acknowledgment of disabilities and the adequacy of mobility aids. However, training for caregivers and modifications to ECD infrastructure represent significant steps towards fostering an inclusive environment for all children, ensuring they receive the care and opportunities they deserve.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
