UN Rwanda staff contribute white canes to the Rwanda Union of the Blind

In November 2022, the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda attended an event called “Dinner in the Dark”. This event was organised by MTN Rwanda and Rwanda Union of the Blind to raise awareness and drum up support for the blind.

“This event provided a humbling experience for us guests. We had to temporarily live in the world of the blind by participating in the dinner wearing a blindfold,” said Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Resident Coordinator. “Only a handful of participants managed to eat at least half of the food served. Many could not find their mouths,” he added.

As it was its objective, after attending the dinner, under "White Cane Challenge” Ozonnia mobilised all UN staff in Rwanda to raise money to buy white canes which are a great enabler to the blind community. The staff heeded the call and fundraised 378 white canes.

“This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration, compassion, and inclusivity that lies at the heart of the UN’s mission to promote equality, and inclusivity and ensure the well-being of all individuals, Leaving no One Behind. Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for policies and practices that break down barriers and create opportunities for every individual to thrive.” Ozonnia said during the ceremony of handing the white canes to the Rwanda Union of the Blind.

Dr. Beth Nasiforo Mukarwego, chairperson of the Rwanda Union of the Disabilities’ Organisation of Rwanda (NUDOR) and the Executive Director of the Rwanda Union of the Blind, Dr. Donatilla Kanimba received the white canes and appreciated the initiative of UN Rwanda staff.

“378 white canes are very many. We thank staff members of the UN family for this noble initiative. A white can for us is not just another leg or an additional body part, it is a freedom.” Said Dr. Beth Nasiforo Mukarwego in an exclusive interview with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator.

 

Unbreakable Resilience: Rising Beyond Adversity

After Beth Nasiforo Mukarwego’s birth while the family was in exile in Burundi, her parents were frantic about her education because she had a visual impairment that led to blindness.

“I was born with a visual impairment due to abnormal development during pregnancy. It began in my right eye. As I grew up, my vision continued to deteriorate because of the development of a cataract. There was nothing the doctors could do,” she said.

Mukarwego, now a lecturer at the University of Rwanda-College of Education, said that, in Burundi, it was impossible for a visually impaired child to go to school and get quality education. So, her family moved her to Kenya, where she finished her schooling and eventually also obtained a PhD degree.

There is hope that the white canes will help some students navigate roads and situations to unlock their potential and become lecturers like Beth or progress in various professions.

A white cane is more than a physical tool; it symbolises independence, freedom, and empowerment for the blind community. It provides vital sensory information about the environment, enhancing mobility and safety. Beyond its practicality, a white cane signifies a visible marker of identity, reducing misconceptions and fostering understanding within society.

Through this simple yet powerful tool, individuals with visual impairments can confidently navigate their surroundings, participate actively in daily life, and break down barriers to inclusivity, ultimately contributing to a more accessible and inclusive world.