UWEZO existed because the founder Mr Bahati Satir Omar faced adversities when he lost his sight at 17 while completing high school. As a teenager, this transition was unpredictable journey due to the disconnection of the world to blind people, charity dominance and traditional mis conceptions against disabilities and persons with disabilities in general. When Bahati needed an alternative skills to survive, his family couldn’t get a clue thus diminishing all the hopes for his future. From his passion for realizing a change in all that he had gone through, Bahati took the challenge forward and established the UWEZO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT!. UWEZO has existed since 2014 to advocate, empower and serve Rwandan children and youth with disabilities to live independently and with dignity. Despite the efforts made by the Government of Rwanda and partners in protecting all its citizens from harm, discrimination and empower them to live a fulfilling and decent lives, having a disability has been a major contributing factor for:
Delayed childhood development stems from inadequate early education and community-based rehabilitation. The lack of integration of youth with disabilities into community programs limits their skill development, impacting their ability to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives. Addressing these gaps is essential for their growth.
children with disabilities not attending to quality education in both mainstream and special education systems; poor healthcare and rehabilitation condition for children and young people with disabilities including unavailable assistive devices.
unskilled youth with disabilities that still rely on family support, charitable donations and/or government social protection. Unemployed youth graduates with disabilities who ends up living a disappointing life despite all the efforts for breaking through a non fully supported education experience.
We are dedicated to empowering children and youth with disabilities, providing them with the skills and opportunities needed for economic independence and active participation in society. As a cross-disability, youth-led organization, we work to protect them from malpractices, exclusion, and abuse, ensuring their rights are upheld in accordance with national and international laws. Through collaboration with partners, we promote disability-inclusive safeguarding measures, while also encouraging self-advocacy and civic engagement. We believe in the potential of these young individuals to become future leaders, despite the challenges they face.