Japan funds construction of dormitory for children with disabilities

The Government of Japan has committed $89,725 (about Rwf120 million) to the construction of a dormitory for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Bugesera District, a project expected to expand access to long-term care and therapy services.

The grant agreement was signed on January 26, by Japan’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Kazuya Nakajo, and representatives of AVEH Umurerwa, a local non-profit organisation that has a special-needs centre in Nyamata Sector.

Funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP/Kusanone), the project will support the construction of a dormitory with capacity to accommodate up to 102 children, addressing long-standing infrastructure constraints at the centre.

Once completed, the facility will be equipped with 96 beds, essential furniture, 22 wheelchairs, 10 support walkers, and sports equipment, allowing children who require long-term care to stay on site and benefit from continuous therapy and education.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Nakajo said the project reflects Japan’s long-standing commitment to Human Security, a development philosophy that prioritises the protection of people’s lives, dignity, and quality of life.

“By supporting children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this project gives them the opportunity to discover and nurture their abilities in a safe and supportive environment,” he said.

“We selected this project because it places people at the center,” the Ambassador explained. “Children who need long-term care will no longer be limited by a lack of facilities, but will be given the opportunity to discover and nurture their abilities.”

AVEH Umurerwa, founded in 2005, supports children with disabilities and their families in Bugesera District and beyond. Although the organisation currently works with 120 children, limited infrastructure has meant that only 20 can be accommodated for full-time care.

The dormitory is expected to increase the number of children receiving residential care at AVEH Umurerwa from 20 to 100, while aligning with government efforts to provide specialised care alongside family-based reintegration.

According to Eugene Ndayambaje, the organisation's co-founder, existing buildings have been serving multiple purposes, including as dormitories, classrooms, therapy rooms, and offices, limiting the centre’s ability to expand services.

“This dormitory is far more than a building,” Ndayambaje said. “It represents dignity, safety, and renewed hope for children and families who have lived with uncertainty for years.”

“This project reminds us that true progress is not measured by economic growth alone, but by how we uplift the most vulnerable among us. When we invest in children with disabilities, we invest in humanity itself,” he added.

Resilient Builders Initiative (RBI), with its proven expertise in construction, played a pivotal role in supporting AVEH Umurerwa in the development of the dormitory construction project submitted to the Embassy of Japan for funding. This collaboration stands as a testament to the strength and meaning of the partnership between AVEH Umurerwa and RBI, which we proudly celebrate.

Drawing on its extensive experience in construction supervision, RBI has generously committed to provide supervision services entirely free of charge. This invaluable contribution ensures that the dormitory will be built in strict compliance with all technical specifications, safeguarding both quality and integrity.

Moreover, the supervision reports prepared by RBI will empower implementation partners to release payments with full confidence, knowing that the work delivered meets the highest standards. AVEH Umurerwa expresses deep gratitude for this powerful partnership, which exemplifies shared commitment to excellence and sustainable impact for the community.