Skills training empowers people with visual impairment in Rwanda
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In Rwanda, the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) and the Masaka Resource Centre for the Blind (MRCB) are helping people with visual impairment gain independence through practical skills training.
Vestine Nyiransabimana of Karongi District previously relied on family for all daily tasks, but after training in Braille, mobility, and knitting at MRCB, she now runs a small knitting business.
She secured a loan to purchase a Rwf200,000 knitting machine and is able to save money, contribute to her family, and cover her health insurance. Frederick Munyanziza and Cleophas Rukiramacumu are also benefiting from the program. Munyanziza now produces and sells liquid soap to neighbours after learning soap-making skills, while Rukiramacumu supplies soap and lotion to schools, churches, and individual customers. Both men face challenges in scaling their businesses due to limited capital for raw materials, packaging, and equipment.
MRCB has trained over 1,100 people with visual impairment, aiming to increase their self-reliance. Despite the positive impact, rising raw material costs and administrative hurdles like business registration with the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) continue to present obstacles for these entrepreneurs.
