We are looking to provide young people with disabilities in Rwanda with the opportunities and skills they need to access employment.
A study conducted by UWEZO demonstrated that the employment levels for young people with disabilities in Rwanda is far lower than their peers, with many earning no income at all. The study identified that among the barriers to employment was a lack of education and self-confidence, stigma and discrimination in the workplace, inaccessible buildings and a lack of additional support required.
Clear interventions are needed to stop the cycle of poverty, create positive social change and challenge the many negative misconceptions around disability in the workplace. This project will attempt to do that.
UWEZO will look to raise awareness of best practices of inclusion within the workplace, creating a more enabling environment. They will work with employers to identify barriers to employment and they will look at addressing the skills gap demonstrated by many young people with disabilities.
For example, vocational training has been an important component of the Rwandan government’s policy to end poverty. Yet the schemes are not inclusive, excluding young people with disabilities from securing a livelihood. This project will seek to ensure young people with disabilities gain access to this scheme, as well as other training opportunities.
