On March 4th, 2025, the 1st Multi-Stakeholder Forum of the ANSWER project was successfully held at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, gathering key actors committed to advancing inclusion of persons with disabilities in higher education in Rwanda.
The forum had three main objectives:
- To present and discuss the policy reform proposals elaborated by the Multi-Stakeholder Working Group (MSWG) with a wider audience.
- To address strategic topics related to inclusion, previously identified by the MSWG.
- To review and refine policy recommendations drawn from the working group meetings and the Report on the current status of inclusion in Rwandan higher education (Deliverable 8.3).
The inputs and insights shared by participants during the forum will be compiled in a document to be submitted to the Ministry of Education: the Interim Multi-Stakeholder Forum Report (Deliverable 8.4).
Interactive Group Activity to Prioritise Inclusion Measures
As part of the forum, an engaging group dynamic was organised to help participants prioritise key inclusion measures across different categories. Six groups were formed, each assigned a specific thematic area. After reviewing the proposed actions in their respective areas, each group selected one priority measure and proposed a short strategy for its implementation.
Using visual posters, the groups evaluated each measure based on three key dimensions:
- Funding availability
- Implementation duration
- Urgency
Each dimension was assessed using a simple color-coded post-it system (green, orange, red), and participants from other groups were invited to contribute their own assessments to foster dialogue and shared understanding.
The activity concluded with a facilitated discussion, where all participants reflected on the collective feedback and further refined the selected priorities.
A Meaningful Step Toward Inclusive Higher Education
Without a doubt, this forum marked a significant milestone in promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Rwanda’s higher education system. By involving diverse voices and generating actionable recommendations, the forum clearly aligned with the core objectives of the ANSWER project: to foster equity, accessibility, and systemic change in higher education.
