EAUR Answer Project

ANSWER Project Update

EAUR participating in Advancing Disability Inclusion at ANSWER Project Final Conference

East African University Rwanda (EAUR) participated in the ANSWER Project two days Final National Conference under the theme “Ready to Move Forward,” marking a transformative milestone in Rwanda’s journey toward inclusive higher education.

The conference brought together HLIs, policymakers, NGOs, and private sector partners to strengthen commitments to disability inclusion and share best practices for supporting students with disabilities (SWDs) in their academic and career journeys.

The conference commenced on 17 December 2025 and Ended on 18 December 2025 on its second and final day, featuring high-level discussions, experience sharing, and collaborative strategies aimed at strengthening disability inclusion across Rwanda’s higher education sector.

Presentations can be downloaded below:-

Noelia López, Senior Project Manager, University of Alicante                                  Download Presentation 

Oswald Tuyizere, Child protection Expert, ANSWER Project Manager NCPD        Download Presentation 

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East African University Rwanda (eaur) Advances Inclusive Education through ANSWER Project Pilot Trainings

East African University Rwanda (EAUR), through the NSWER Project funded by European Union-funded, is making significant strides in promoting inclusive education in higher learning. EAUR is conducting a two-day  2nd Pilot Training on “Health and Rights of Persons with Disabilities” at Nyagatare Campus.

This training brings together participants and partners to enhance accessibility and inclusion in Rwanda’s higher education institutions. The focus is on equal opportunities, disability rights, and inclusive  laws and policies in Rwandan context, equipping stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to bridge the gap between, knowledge, policy and implementation.

The ANSWER Project supports the establishment and expansion of Support Centers for Students with Disabilities, providing assistive technologies to improve learning conditions. It also works towards modernizing disability-inclusive approaches and strengthening organizational structures to ensure equity, non-discrimination, and reasonable accommodation.

By fostering policy change and creating an enabling learning environment, EAUR and its partners are setting the stage for a more inclusive and accessible higher education system in Rwanda.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANSWER PROJECT: is a project that intends to equip Rwandan higher education (HE) stakeholders with the necessary knowledge, skills, capacities, and technology to address the gap between policy and implementation of inclusive Education.

In addition, it aims to support the establishment and expansion of Support Centers for students with disabilities and to equip these centers with assistive technologies to enhance service provision for students with disabilities. Its implementation period is from 1st March 2023 to 28th February 2026.

During the 1st answer project conference in EAUR Nyagatare Campus

ANSWER: Advance inclusion for students with disabilities on higher education in Rwanda
“Building Bridges of Inclusion: Empowering Abilities, Embracing Diversity.”

  • Students with disabilities,
  • Faculty and staff with disabilities ,
  • Parents and families of students with disabilities ,
  • Prospective students with disabilities ,
  • Prospective students with disabilities,
  • Community members with disabilities.

Disability is not inability, we treat all our students equally and we make sure they achieve their Goal

EAUR give equal opportunities to students with disabilities, ensuring they are seamlessly integrated into the wider student  teaching and learning environment. We actively promote their participation in all campus events and activities, fostering an  inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. This commitment to inclusivity is exemplified by ongoing initiatives such as the Guild Council elections, where students with disabilities are encouraged to engage fully, and even contest positions like the Sports Minister, as demonstrated by a candidate from the Industrial Art and Design program.

These efforts underscore EAUR’s dedication to inclusive education. However, we recognize that there is still work to be done. We are committed to enhancing accessibility through the implementation of the Accessibility support center strategic plan, improving infrastructure, and providing comprehensive special needs education training for staff and students. By collectively championing these initiatives, we strive to ensure that the entire university community is fully aligned with our mission to advance inclusion for students with disabilities in higher education across Rwanda.

The operationalization of  the  Students Accessibility  Support Center will provide equal learning opportunities and accessibility that support:

    1. Students with Disabilities(SWD) who will be using the centre resources daily for a variety of purposes like research, completing assignments/practical work and taking exams etc.
    2. Other Students: for inclusiveness, students without disability shall also use the centre like when they work in groups alongside SWD so as to promote an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.
    3. Academic staff dealing with SWDs: Academic staff teaching SWD shall also be using the centre as they will have the necessary support and accessibility to the resources.
    4. Local communities. Communities with disabilities who are living nearby the campus can as well use the centre for their various needs.
    5. EAUR graduates with disability:  Graduates who have benefited from EAUR and have benefited from resources in the centre during their time as students may still access its facilities for research, job-related tasks, or to stay connected with the campus.
    6. Through mixed learning opportunities, SWDs interact with students without disabilities and teachers through project work9 assignments, group discussions, conversations, etc and this promotes a common sense of belonging and supporting each other so as to advance their careers. Thereby by making EAUR an inclusive learning environment. Disability is not inability, we treat all our students equally and we make sure they achieve their Goal.”

                                                                                                 

Mr. Niyitegeka David                                                                   Peter KASAIJA                                                                     Dr. Enock Nyisingize
Academic Registrar,                                                                    DVCFA                                                                                    DVCAAR,
Project Coordinator Answer Project-EAUR                             Project Financial Manager Answer Project                     Project Manager EAUR Answer Project

                             

Mr. Chebet K Asumani                                  Mr. Ndayisenga Charles
As. Lecturer,                                                     T. Lecturer,

Technical Staff EAUR                                     Technical Staff EAUR
Answer Project                                                 Answer Project

                                                                               

  1. University of Alicante (Spain) Lead Project Coordinator       2.  University of Rwanda (co-leader coordination)

                                                                               

3. East African University Rwanda co-leader coordination             4. INES Ruhengeri (Member)

                                                                                     

5. University of Macedonia (Greece) co-leader coordination           6.  National Council of People with Disability (NCPD)

                         

7. MINEDUC                                   8. UWEZO

East African University Rwanda (EAUR) – Accessibility Support Centre (ASC)

Welcome to the Accessibility Support Centre (ASC)

At the East African University Rwanda, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. Our Accessibility Support Centre (ASC) is available, dedicated to supporting all university students with different types of disabilities whether physical, sensory, psychological or mental, or with a chronic illness and special needs learning difficulties in their academic journey and beyond.

We encourage first-year students, and students from subsequent years who are continuing with their studies and have not already registered for the support in ASC, are welcome to REGISTER for disability OR special learning difficulties support. We recommend you do so as soon as possible after starting your course/program at EAUR.

Vision and Mission

Vision: “We aim to foster diversity, equity, equality and accessibility.”

Mission: Our mission is to provide learning opportunities aiming to enhance quality education for all through diverse support services, partnership, and teamwork for community service delivery.

Location of the Centre

The Accessibility Support Centre (ASC) will be located at the Nyagatare main campus within the Students’ Welfare Unit, headed by the Dean of Students. The centre will be  equipped with necessary assistive technologies and specialized equipment to support users.

Objectives of the Accessibility Support Centre (ASC)

  1. Ensure Accessibility: To encourage and ensure that students with disabilities have reasonable access tailored to their individual needs, ensuring equitable access to education.
  2. Enhance Support: Develop and implement personalized and effective support measures that foster both academic success and social development in an inclusive environment.
  3. Enhance Participation: Create and environment and space that allows for full participation of the campus community and support students with disabilities to actively participate in all educational and extracurricular activities, ensuring their full integration into university life.
  4. Promote Inclusivity: Advocate for and facilitate the involvement of students with disabilities in complementary educational activities, promoting a fully inclusive university experience.
  5. Self-Understanding and Awareness: To encourage students to know their strengths and weaknesses to deepen their self-confidence and explore what a fulfilling life means to each one of discovering and supporting to grow their potential regardless of any disability

Students Support Centre Users

The ASC will serve:

  1. Students with Disabilities (SWD): Daily use for research, assignments, exams, etc.
  2. Other Students: Collaborative work with SWD, promoting inclusivity.
  3. Academic Staff: Access to necessary resources for teaching SWD.
  4. Local Communities: Nearby community members with disabilities.
  5. EAUR Graduates with Disability: Continued access for research and job-related support.

 Services:

  • We promote inclusive practices: Throughout the campus community and we are committed to the provision of an equitable learning environment that will enable you to become an independent learner and highly skilled graduate.
  • Assistive Technology Support: Training on and access to assistive technologies, including screen readers and speech-to-text software.
  • Learning /Skills Support
  • Internship placement support
  • Translation Services: Converting handouts, tests, and examinations to and from braille.
  • Specialized Software: Access to computers with software for various disabilities.
  • Academic Advising: Specialized advisors to help students plan courses, select accommodations, and succeed academically.
  • Other Specialized supports