“Respecting white cane is supporting Persons with Visual impairment†this is the theme observed during the10th celebration of White Cane Day in Rwanda. The celebration at national level was held in Gisagara District, Ndora Sector on 24th October 2018.
The day aimed at raising awareness of the use and utility of white cane. The President of Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB), Dr Suubi Patrick took that opportunity to highlight major challenges faced by Persons with impairment including insufficiency of rehabilitation centers that may help adult persons with visual impairment, insufficient means to expand RUB activities and low level of mind-set for the community that consider Person with visual impairment as unable.
In his speech, by recalling the name and slogan of Persons with Disabilities “Indashyikirwaâ€; the President of NCPD Mr. NIYOMUGABO Romalis urged Persons with Disabilities to overcome obstacles and work hard to prove that disability is not inability.
Speaking at the occasion, Honourable Mussolini Eugène who was the Guest of Honour expressed his gratitude to all organs that have fought for rights for Persons with Disabilities in Rwanda especially recognising them as Persons not as things (Ibintu, ibimuga). He pledged to continue advocating to RSSB for having white canes on the list of medical products covered by health insurance, Mutuelle de santé. Honourable Mussolini requested Persons with impairment for not discriminating themselves instead he urged them to participate actively in all programs aimed at advancing the development of the country.
In this spirit, NIYONGANA Felicien who has visual impairment was given a cow that will help to boost his economy so that he may graduate to the highest category of Ubudehe.
The day was marked by various activities including peaceful march from Ndora Center to Gisagara Gymnasium which was celebration venue, exhibition of handcraft works done by Persons with disabilities, Goalball match and sketch about the role of white cane in daily life performed by Troupe Handicapés Twuzuzanye (THT)