Rwanda: A Center Launched to Address Hearing and Speech Impairments

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, the Rwanda Institute for Speech and Hearing Independence (RISHI) was inaugurated in Musanze District. This center is dedicated to assisting children with hearing and speech impairments, focusing on those from birth to ages 3-5.

Elie Nduwayesu, the director of the school, explained that starting with younger children will be more effective. “Our initiative aims to eradicate this issue and help children born with these disabilities integrate into Rwandan society, contributing just like everyone else.”

“With the support of two female teachers trained in India, we will work with children from 8 months old, as they adapt more easily to the technology we use. By the time they are 3-5 years old, they will be ready to attend regular schools,” Nduwayesu stated.

He noted that it is challenging to assist older children, who often become accustomed to sign language, which is not widely known in Rwanda, complicating their integration into broader society. “We will use hearing aids that transmit sound to the brain, allowing the individual to speak. Most people with hearing impairments do not speak because they cannot hear sounds to mimic.”

“Placing this device in an adult’s ear can be overwhelming, as they hear many noises for the first time, which can be unsettling.
Most adults with hearing impairments are accustomed to sign language, making it hard to integrate into societies unfamiliar with it, leading to feelings of isolation.”

Teachers Milleille Umulisa and Hervine Rukundo, trained in India, are prepared to impart their knowledge to children in Rwanda and beyond. “With the skills we’ve acquired, we aim to resolve hearing and speech impairments, ensuring that children as young as 8 months will grow up hearing and speaking well,” said Milleille.

Hervine added, “It’s easier to train young children because they grow up accustomed to the methods we use.”

Hesron Uwitonze, an official from Musanze District responsible for people with disabilities, expressed gratitude to the school for providing a solution beyond sign language. “Many children with hearing impairments struggled in schools where teachers didn’t know sign language, leading to isolation. This school offers a viable solution, enabling them to hear and speak.”

The RICHI center addresses these issues following the efforts of the Deef People Training Center, also led by Elie Nduwayesu in Nyange Sector, Musanze District, which teaches sign language to over 500 individuals.

Initially, each teacher at RISHI will assist 10 children, and the center seeks support from entities such as MINEDUC, MINISANTE, and others to ensure long-term success.