A three-day financial literacy training for representatives of associations and cooperatives of people with disabilities in Gasabo District has concluded, with participants pledging to apply the skills gained to improve livelihoods, strengthen group management and promote self-reliance.
The training, which ended April 23 at the Gasabo District Office, was organized by the Rwanda Organization of Journalists Advocating for People with Disabilities (ROJAPED) with support from BK Foundation. It focused on building financial literacy and promoting planned savings and lending practices within self-help groups.
Organizers said the program was designed not only to improve participants’ financial management skills but also to develop peer trainers who will share the knowledge within their cooperatives and associations. Participants were also introduced to basic training facilitation skills to support effective knowledge transfer.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Gasabo District Executive Administrator Bernard Bayasese said the knowledge gained should enable participants to become role models in responsible saving and effective management of their groups.
He emphasized that supporting people with disabilities remains a national priority, reflected in Rwanda’s Constitution and policies that promote inclusion across sectors such as education, health, employment and community development.
“The government is committed to ensuring that every person with disabilities is valued and able to live with dignity and self-reliance,” he said.
Bayasese welcomed participants’ feedback on the training and encouraged them to put the knowledge into practice. He cautioned against mismanagement practices that have affected some cooperatives and urged them to uphold transparency and accountability. He also reaffirmed the district’s commitment to supporting inclusive initiatives through community-based projects.
A representative of BK Foundation, Ingrid Karangwayire, said the training reflects efforts to promote an inclusive society where people with disabilities have equal access to opportunities and services.
She noted that financial institutions are working to bring services closer to people with disabilities, including facilitating account opening and access to credit, to support their economic activities.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the training, describing it as timely and practical. Speaking on their behalf, Emmanuel Micomyiza said trainees are returning to their communities with improved knowledge, confidence and a mindset focused on self-employment and financial independence.
“We go back well equipped, and we expect positive changes in our groups based on what we have learned,” he said.
Participants said they plan to share the knowledge with peers and implement improved savings and management practices in the shortest possible time. They also called for the establishment of a continuous training system to sustain capacity building efforts.
The training was also seen as an opportunity to build participants’ self-esteem and strengthen their role in community development. Trainees expressed appreciation to the organizers and pledged that future visits to their groups and cooperatives would reflect tangible progress resulting from the skills acquired.
Teacher Nzabarinda Erneste shares his experiences when teaching the trainers, discussing ideas with them and generating ideas.
The trainees, when listening to the teacher, were in groups and they were told that they would train their peers.
Each of the trainees received a certificate of completion of the training
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