Inclusive Education: Rwanda to Open Sign-Language College

Rwanda plans to open a specialised higher learning institution focused on sign language and inclusive education. The move aims to improve access to skills and information for deaf and deaf-blind people.

The institution, the Africa Deaf Christian College, is expected to open by September in Bugesera District. It will begin with 12 classrooms and a capacity of about 500 students.

Training sign-language professionals

At launch, the college will offer two faculties: special needs education and sign-language interpreting, as well as theology. It will provide both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Omar Kayigi, Chairperson of Deaf Action Ministry Rwanda, said the college will address long-standing gaps in professional sign-language training.

“Few institutions offer formal sign-language education,” Kayigi said. “This college will help train qualified teachers and interpreters who are urgently needed.”

He added that the institution is working closely with the Higher Education Council to secure accreditation. The college will first introduce bachelor’s degrees and later expand to postgraduate programmes.

Improving access to higher education

The project comes as access to university education remains limited for persons with disabilities. Emmanuel Ndayisaba, Executive Secretary of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities, said demand continues to exceed available opportunities.

He urged the college to introduce short professional courses, especially in sign language. Ndayisaba noted that Rwanda has already developed a national sign-language dictionary, but a lack of experts delayed its completion and limited its reach.

“A specialised college will provide a sustainable solution,” he said. “It will train experts who can teach and expand sign language nationwide.”

Daily communication challenges

Limited public knowledge of sign language continues to affect daily life for many people with hearing and visual impairments. Marie Goreth Nyiraminani, a resident of Bugesera District who was born with both impairments, described ongoing challenges.

“When I go to the market, I often cannot buy anything without a translator,” she said.

The college will operate as a fee-paying institution. However, organisers say they are seeking sponsors to provide scholarships for students from vulnerable backgrounds.