Kigali, 24 May 2026 – The Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, joined hundreds of residents and visitors at the bi-monthly Car Free Day in Kigali to promote inclusive education, healthy living, and stronger family dialogue as foundations for safe and inclusive communities.

The event, which started with a walk and cycling activity from BK Arena to KCC, brought together government officials, education stakeholders, sports partners, children, youth, elderly participants, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities under the theme of inclusion and equal opportunity for all.

Among the participants were REB Director General Dr Nelson Mbarushimana, Minister of state of Sports Rwego Ngarambe, City of Kigali Mayor,  Samuel Dusengiyumva, talented student-athletes, coaches, and sports partners who joined the public in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

This edition of Car Free Day focused on raising awareness about the importance of family dialogue, building safe and healthy communities, supporting children living with disabilities, and ending discrimination and abandonment. Children with autism actively participated in the sports activities, demonstrating that every child can thrive when provided with the necessary support and equal opportunities.

Addressing participants, Dr Mbarushimana called upon parents and guardians to play a greater role in advancing inclusive education by ensuring that children with disabilities are enrolled in school.

“We encourage parents who have children with different disabilities to register them and enable them to begin the 2026–2027 academic year. Schools are prepared and ready to welcome all children,” he said.

The Director General also expressed appreciation to development partners and organizations that continue to support inclusive education in Rwanda. He commended World Vision Rwanda, the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Autism Rwanda, Chance for Childhood Rwanda, and NUDOR for their significant contribution to improving the quality of education, particularly through initiatives that promote inclusion and equal learning opportunities.

Participants echoed a powerful message throughout the event: “Disability is not inability. Inclusive education begins with enrolling every child.” The broad participation of people of different ages and abilities highlighted that sport and physical activity are for everyone, according to individual capacity and ability.

The Car Free Day initiative continues to serve as an important platform for promoting health, social inclusion, and community engagement, while reinforcing Rwanda’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality, inclusive education.