A mother of a child born with mental disability, I realized how important it is to take care of children with disabilities. I took good care of my son Louis Marie KUBWAYO until he died of Epilepsy in 2017. The struggles I went through caring for my son inspired me to create a not-for-profit organization that provides care for children with disabilities to have their needs met. WIKWIHEBA MWANA (Don’t Despair), was created in 2006 and is located in a remote area of Ngarama, in Gatsibo District of Eastern Province of Rwanda. I thank God that the situation of my son did not make me to lose heart. It heartened instead- the empathy to strive for welfare of other children with disabilities, especially those born from vulnerable rural families.

I have witnessed children getting autonomous and able to learn. Today, the Center provide day-care support to 210 children. Nothing can be compared to the joy of parents experienced by parents who see their children with disabilities managing to do things they thought would never be possible.

Words cannot be enough to thank partners who put up with WIKWIHEBA MWANA all over the past years. I am so grateful to Wouter ROUWHORST and his family who enabled us to buy a land for the Center. Katharina HUBER and INGEAR Germany for their regular annual support. To all Dear partners not mentioned here, we say God bless you for upholding the dignity of children with disabilities and bringing joy in their lives. Many of these children have severe disabilities that they are unable to do things for themselves. The truth is that when supported with special care, these children reach a level where they can do a number of things on their own.

It is with utmost kindness that I call upon you to partner with us and take action to improve lives of children with disabilities. Your contribution is never small as long as it upholds the dignity and helps to alleviate suffering of any single child with disability.

I invite partners to work with families so that they do not hide children born with disabilities. With your support, we will significantly prevent causes of disabilities that affect children.

Thank you for your commitment to supporting our cause!

Disability is not inability!

Mediatrice MUKASHARANGABO