On 31st January 2026, during Rwanda’s national Umuganda community service day, the eKitabu team proudly took part in activities promoting national cohesion and social inclusion. In collaboration with Ubumwe Community Centre, eKitabu worked with the local community in Rubavu District, Western Province, to advance literacy through Soma mu Muganda for ALL children with disabilities and without disabilities and support vulnerable families with essential household items.
Umuganda, which takes place on the last Saturday of every month, is a nationwide initiative dedicated to community service and development. Citizens aged 18 to 65 years come together to clean public spaces, support local initiatives, and strengthen community bonds.
Supporting Families and Strengthening Community Well-Being
The event was attended by community leaders, including Fabien Uwamahoro, the Sector Leader in charge of Social Affairs. He commended eKitabu and Ubumwe Community Centre for their commitment to household security and social welfare:
“These household items are very important in ensuring good hygiene and daily home use. As a sector, we truly appreciate organisations like eKitabu and Ubumwe Community Centre for their thoughtfulness and support to families in need.”
Promoting Inclusive Literacy: Disability Is Not Inability
Guided by the belief that disability is not inability, the initiative placed strong emphasis on inclusive education and access to reading materials. eKitabu provided quality, accessible ebooks and inclusive digital content, ensuring that children with visual, hearing, and developmental disabilities were not left out of learning opportunities.
Working alongside teachers, librarians and local readers, children participated in guided reading sessions—reading independently and reading aloud. Autistic children, as well as those who are deaf or blind, were fully engaged through carefully selected inclusive reading materials tailored to their needs.
Empowering Parents Through Awareness and Advocacy
Beyond reading activities, the programme also included disability awareness sessions for parents and caregivers. These discussions focused on the importance of education, literacy, and positive parenting for children living with disabilities, reinforcing the role of families in nurturing confident, capable learners.
Building an Inclusive Reading Culture
Through this Soma mu Umuganda initiative, eKitabu reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive reading culture and supporting communities through accessible education. By combining literacy promotion with practical household support, the activity demonstrated how community partnerships can create meaningful, lasting impact—ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to learn and thrive.