On 27^th November 2025 at Kigali Convention Centre there was the 2nd National Dialogue on Special Needs and Inclusive Education in which Honorable Minister of Education was The Guet of Honor. The theme of the dialogue was titled “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress: “Strengthening Special Needs and Inclusive Education in Rwanda.” 

The Dialogue brings together policymakers, educators, researchers, civil society organizations, learners, parents, and local leaders to accelerate progress towards an inclusive, equitable, and high-performing education system. The event takes place just days before the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, offering a timely platform to align Rwanda’s education agenda with national disability inclusion efforts.

To welcome the participants of the meeting, Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board; Dr. MBARUSHIMANA Nelson thanked everyone for the effort made for the dialogue to happen. He mentioned that teachers were capacitated to support learners with special needs and said that school infrastructures were among the achievements from the resolutions of 1^st National Dialogue.

In his opening remarks, DG REB said: “We have initiated the construction of five new model schools tailored for children with multiple and severe and profound intellectual disabilities. These schools will feature accessible infrastructure, resource and assessment centers, specialized classrooms, boarding facilities, and other essential services. We have strengthened the capacity of teachers and schools to support learners with special educational needs, and every school has an Inclusive Education Focal Teacher equipped with specialized identification of learners with learning difficulties.” Dr. Nelson said

“We have made learning materials more accessible. REB has transformed traditional textbooks into interactive “Accessible Digital Textbooks,” integrating audio, video, and sign-language content to support learners with sensory and other disabilities.” DG REB added

While officiating the Second National Dialogue on Inclusive Education, Honorable Minister of education emphasized that such National Dialogue is a platform which is critical for reaffirming national commitment: ensuring that every learner in Rwanda; regardless of ability, background, or circumstance; has access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Honorable Minister spoke at the Second National Dialogue on Inclusive Education, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to inclusive learning for all: "Our vision is clear: a Rwanda where every child learns, participates, and thrives. Inclusive education is not an act of charity; it is a fundamental right, a strategic investment in our nation’s human capital, and a cornerstone for a resilient, innovative, and prosperous Rwanda. Let us therefore move forward together; with unity of purpose, with determination, and with the unwavering belief that every learner has something valuable to contribute. By working hand in hand, we can build an education system that empowers every child to shape Rwanda’s future."

Honorable Minister extended his appreciation to the British High Commission, development partners, teachers, parents, and organizations committed to supporting learners with disabilities:

“Your dedication reflects our national principle of leaving no one behind. Rwanda’s continued progress is driven by strong partnerships, community engagement, and shared responsibility.”

The Minister cited achievements made since the first Dialogue, including improved school accessibility, increased teacher training, and greater public awareness of disability rights, while underscoring the need for ongoing collaboration to overcome existing challenges. “The Government of Rwanda remains fully committed to strengthening early identification and intervention services, supporting teachers with inclusive methodologies, and ensuring all schools are safe, accessible, and conducive for learning.” Honorable Minister cited

“Together, we can build an education system that empowers every learner to reach their full potential and contribute to national development.” Honorable Minister concluded

On 28 November 2025 was day two of The National Dialogue on Special Needs and Inclusive Education where participants visited HVP GATAGARA GIKONDO to engage in inclusive sports and entertainment activities, underscoring the role of recreation, physical wellbeing, and social inclusion in holistic learning for children with disabilities and special educational needs.

About the National Dialogue

The National Dialogue on Special Needs and Inclusive Education is part of Rwanda’s broader effort to advance equity and inclusion in line with the Education Sector Strategic Plan and national disability inclusion priorities. It serves as a key platform for evidence-based decision-making, cross-sector collaboration, and system strengthening.

Strengthening Rwanda’s Inclusive Education Agenda

The Dialogue focuses on; Reviewing progress on recommendations from the previous National Dialogue and Education Inclusion Symposium, Showcasing national policy and legal frameworks that support inclusive education, Sharing lived experiences and innovative practices from schools and communities, Enhancing monitoring and evaluation systems for inclusive education using data-driven approaches, Reinforcing multi-stakeholder collaboration to boost accountability and local governance and Promoting recreational and sports activities in inclusive and special schools.

Key expected outcomes include strengthened coordination among education actors, practical recommendations to improve teacher capacity, enhanced community engagement, and renewed national commitment to disability-inclusive education.