RISE: Rwanda Initiative for Special Needs Education
Strengthening Inclusive Education in Rwanda Together
kwigira
In Kinyarwanda, the word kwigira means learning, developing independence, and self-empowerment. These values define our work: empowering people so that sustainable change can emerge through their own efforts.
Strengthening Inclusive Education in Rwanda Together
RISE–kwigira is a Swiss-Rwandan educational initiative for children and young people with special educational needs
We support schools and teachers in developing high-quality special needs education and inclusive education. Together with local partners, we develop solutions that have a lasting impact and become embedded within the public education system.
What we do
- We provide professional development for teachers and school leaders
- We develop and test practical teaching and learning materials.
- We support schools in implementing inclusive educational education.
- We promote professional exchange between Rwanda and Switzerland.
- We provide targeted and sustainable support for selected projects.
Our Approach
We believe that sustainable development can only succeed through collaboration. Therefore, we work closely with schools, government authorities, and universities in Rwanda, strengthening existing structures rather than creating parallel systems.
Our work is characterized by:
● partnership-based collaboration
● professional quality
● lean and efficient organization
consistent focus on sustainability
Shaping the future together
Since 2024, we have organised professional development programmes for teachers in Rwanda twice a year. Together with our partners, we are developing a competence network for special needs education that provides children with special educational needs better educational opportunities—today and for future generations.
RISE–kwigira – Learning together. Promoting independence. Creating opportunities for the future.