IZERE OUTREACH PROGRAMME KIGALI

Izere Mubyeyi Centre, Kanombe

The relocated Izere Centre opened in 2017. The catchment area is the city of Kigali & its outskirts of 15 km. Izere offers basic but essential therapy and education for 120 children and youth with disabilities and provides a vital support for parents.

During 2017-2018 PF funded a weekly mobile Outreach Programme, headed by Country Manager Viateur, a skilled physiotherapist, visiting community venues parents could reach. Along with Izere staff, he taught parents daily physio exercises to use on their child at home.

Today, the Foundation supports specialist teachers and equipment to help the Centre run its essential therapy classes.

Agnes Mukashyaka set up Izere Mubyeyi in 2006. Izere faces many financial challenges to achieve its potential. It relies on fundraising and Agnes runs it in an unpaid capacity. She also has a disabled son herself.

Over 80 children are registered for Cerebral Palsy physiotherapy. Physio gives a child the ability to sit or walk by themselves makes a massive and long-term impact..

Dependency on fundraising to maintain the running of Izere meant teachers were frequently not paid. PF pay the monthly wages of 4 specialist teachers, ensuring lessons are maintained and the teachers have income security to feed their own families.

A lot of significant equipment is needed to provide stimulation for children with mental & physical disabilities. PF regularly donates educational toys & books and are funding the building of a special playground this year.

PF also fund Applied Paper Technology (APT) Chairs for children with Cerebral Palsy. These are lightweight chairs made from recycled cardboard & glue.
Parents can easily carry them and seat their child safely while they work, rather than leaving them to lay on the floor.

Poverty prevents families from getting the support they need. Supporting Izere’s services is a direct action with positive outcomes, increasing the wellbeing of low income families struggling to manage with a disabled child.