INES-Ruhengeri Advances Disability Inclusion Through Internship Dialogue with UWEZO Youth Empowerment

On Thursday, July 10, 2025, INES-Ruhengeri hosted a strategic training session focused on promoting inclusive internships for students with disabilities. Organized under the ANSWER Project, the event brought together university leaders, internship host institutions, and disability advocates to reflect on a shared challenge: how can institutions ensure that students with disabilities are not only included in internship opportunities but supported to thrive?

The session was officially opened by Dr. UWILINGIYIMANA Charline, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic and Research Affairs at INES-Ruhengeri. In her address, she acknowledged the unfortunate reality that some companies decline to host students with disabilities due to lack of specialized equipment or preparation. However, she emphasized that these students are not only capable but often among the best performers in their academic disciplines. She called on industry partners to open their doors and recognize the value and talent of all learners.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Mr. Bahati Satir Omar, Founder and Executive Director of UWEZO Youth Empowerment. His session, titled Disability Equality Training for Inclusive Internships, highlighted the everyday obstacles students with disabilities face obstacles that are often invisible to others. He pointed to the physical challenges of being assigned to remote or inaccessible locations, the absence of infrastructure and learning aids in many institutions, and the financial limitations that compound these issues.

The training further emphasized that internships are more than a graduation requirement. For students with disabilities, they also represent access to dignity, purpose, and professional belonging. Yet, many companies remain hesitant or unprepared to create such spaces. Lack of awareness, legal uncertainty, physical inaccessibility, and rigid internship structures continue to serve as barriers.

One of the most important outcomes of the training was the commitment to draft a Memorandum of Understanding between INES-Ruhengeri, UWEZO Youth Empowerment, and willing internship providers. This agreement will formalize their shared dedication to inclusive practice and offer a clear framework for internship programs that are not only accessible but empowering.