They express gratitude to the Government and NUDOR after becoming entrepreneurs.
Sixty-five young men and women from 15 sectors in Nyamasheke District comprising 52 entrepreneurs and 13 individuals who acquired vocational skills and secured employment have expressed their appreciation to the Government and the National Union of Disability Organizations of Rwanda (NUDOR). They credited these entities for supporting their education and helping them transform their lives.
They shared these sentiments on October 28, 2026, during a meeting with the management of NUDOR’s “We Can Work” program which facilitated their achievements alongside officials from Nyamasheke District and representatives from “Challenges Rwanda,” the organization that provided their training.
Speaking to Rebero.rw, Jacqueline Turyashemerwa, a NUDOR staff member working on the project “We Can Work” program funded by Light for the World in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation explained that the initiative operates in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, and Nigeria. Running from 2023 to 2030, the program aims to reach 1,000,000 young people across these countries, with the goal of empowering youth with disabilities to secure dignified livelihoods. He states that, within this group, they aim to reach as many young people as possible in Rwanda, helping them engage in quality work that affords them dignity.
“This initiative was launched after observing that when young people with disabilities seek employment, employers often focus on their disabilities rather than their capabilities. Even when they are hired, they are frequently given menial, low-paying jobs that do not align with their actual skills or educational background.” He explains.
Jacqueline Turyashemerwa, a staff member with NUDOR’s ‘We Can Work’ project, expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved, noting that it demonstrates the unquestionable capabilities of persons with disabilities.
She notes that someone in such a position might work merely to survive, but the job is far below their potential and offers no real benefit, leaving them lagging behind in terms of personal development.
“Through the ‘We Can Work’ initiative, we urge employers to view a person with a disability as an individual with specific capabilities looking past the disability to focus on what they are actually able to do, and then supporting them to excel in that area.” He adds.
“Today, we have brought together young people aged 18 to 35 who completed their studies between 2024 and 2025 to prepare them to become entrepreneurs. We help them gain self-confidence and self-awareness, enabling them to discover their own capabilities.” He says.
They say that meeting to exchange ideas and experiences helps them become more self-confident.
She adds that in 2024, they supported 100 young men and women 25 from Nyamasheke, and 75 from the districts of Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge (25 from each of these districts). In 2025, they supported 135 individuals, including 40 from Nyamasheke and 95 from the districts within the City of Kigali.
“Once they complete the 14 day training program, they choose three potential paths to pursue. Some opt to become entrepreneurs, others choose vocational trades, while those who have completed secondary school or university may choose to seek formal employment.”
She notes that these gatherings where they discuss and exchange ideas are highly valuable; participants often learn about what their peers are doing, leading them to purchase each other’s products or connect one another with new customers. They also form groups to collectively advance their progress.
Based on their working methods and their strong drive for development, Jacqueline Turyashemerwa believes they offer a level of promise that far exceeds initial expectations. “The determination we see in them, and the way they have effectively leveraged the opportunities provided to them transforming their lives in the process inspire hope for an even brighter future.” She stated.
She noted that although these entrepreneurs have faced significant challenges such as limited capital, despite some aspiring to undertake larger-scale investments and while the support provided by NUDOR is insufficient to reach everyone, they have nonetheless shown great resilience, striving for self-reliance. He urged the District and various partners to increase the support channeled through NUDOR, enabling these young people to expand their development initiatives and create employment opportunities.
She expressed deep gratitude to President Kagame for the value placed on persons with disabilities, which empowers them to achieve goals that bring them great fulfillment.
She also extended thanks to Light for the World and the Mastercard Foundation for their financial support, as well as to Challenges-Rwanda for providing the training that has enabled these young people to reach such a positive and rewarding position.
Berthe Tuyizere, 28, who acquired a disability in 2019 after finishing secondary school, recalls a time when she was so despondent that she wished for death. However, following the training she received, she has become an entrepreneur and now supports her family.
Berthe Tuyizere, who became an entrepreneur following training provided with the support of NUDOR, is pleased that her business supports her entire family.
Those whose lives have been positively transformed by this project expressed their joy.
“During the training program, I managed to save some of the money provided for transport, with an additional contribution from my mother, I raised 400,000 Rwandan francs to open a small shop. I also work as an agent [for financial/telecom services]. Both ventures generate income, allowing me to provide for my family.” She says
David Irambona, who is visually impaired and provides technology-related services, also benefited from this training; it enabled him to venture into poultry farming and other activities. He is very pleased with the progress he has made.
“I am in a good place because I have put the knowledge I gained to productive use,” he says. “I keep over 200 chickens, and selling them generates income. I am continuing to make great strides in my development, demonstrating that people with disabilities are fully capable.”
David Irambona, who is visually impaired, reared more than 200 chickens after training, mixing IT services with other jobs is a real example of the potential of people with disabilities.
They also express their gratitude to President Kagame for the various opportunities provided, which have empowered them to gain confidence and achieve things that were previously thought impossible.
Joseph Uwabakurikiza, the coordinator of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities in Nyamasheke District, commends the Government and NUDOR for this excellent initiative, which is transforming the lives of people with disabilities. “When you look at the progress made by our youth who received training, no one can deny the significant work accomplished by our Government and NUDOR an effort for which we will always be grateful.” He stated
Joseph Uwabakurikiza, the coordinator for the National Union of Persons with Disabilities in Nyamasheke District, expresses his appreciation for persons with disabilities who are becoming entrepreneurs.
Regarding the challenges raised, Uwase Sifa the official in Nyamasheke District responsible for matters concerning persons with disabilities assured those present that the District would play its part in addressing these issues. She commended NUDOR and its partners for this exemplary initiative, which is transforming the mindsets and livelihoods of persons with disabilities, and affirmed that the District will focus on monitoring and sustaining these achievements.
Damascène Hakizimana, a member of the NUDOR Board, urged the participants to make the most of this training so that, in the near future, they may become major entrepreneurs capable of creating employment for many others.
Hakizimana Damascène, a member of the NUDOR Board, urged them to make tangible use of these opportunities and, in turn, create jobs.
Uwase Sifa, who is responsible for matters concerning people with disabilities in Nyamasheke District, gives assurances that the issues raised by these young people will be addressed.
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