Groupe Scolaire Gahini resumes its inclusive education program for students with visual impairments after a three-year hiatus, following advocacy from the Rwanda Union of the Blind.
Groupe Scolaire Gahini resumes its inclusive education program for students with visual impairments after a three-year hiatus, following advocacy from the Rwanda Union of the Blind.
· Updated
Groupe Scolaire Gahini has reopened its program for students with visual impairments, three years after it stopped admitting learners with the disability. The Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) welcomed the move, which is expected to revive inclusive secondary education at the Kayonza-based school. GS Gahini pioneered its program for visually impaired students in the late 1990s and has been a model for integrating them into mainstream education.
The reopening follows concerns raised by RUB and former students in June about the program's discontinuation. RUB executive director Jacques Mugisha stated that GS Gahini is the only inclusive school in the country that admits students with visual impairment, emphasizing the importance of learning alongside sighted peers for social development and future prospects.
Six students were admitted to GS Gahini when the academic year began in September. The Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) has confirmed the resumption of admissions, with director of special needs and inclusive education Irenée Muyizere stating that the school will continue to receive visually impaired learners.
GS Gahini headteacher Luke Karemangingo confirmed the school's readiness to provide inclusive education, noting that stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and REB, agreed on the program's resumption. The school aims to leverage its past experience to ensure quality education for visually impaired students.
GS Gahini first admitted students with visual impairment in 1997, and over the years, it has served as a model for inclusive secondary education. Between 2002 and 2025, 106 students with visual impairment completed their secondary education at the school.
FAQ
Why is the reopening of the program at Groupe Scolaire Gahini significant?
The reopening is significant because Groupe Scolaire Gahini is the only inclusive school in Rwanda that admits students with visual impairment, providing them with an opportunity to learn alongside their sighted peers.
What support is available for visually impaired students at GS Gahini?
The school has a dedicated resource room staffed by two individuals who provide specialized support, along with Braille equipment for students and teachers.
