01/05/2025
In celebration of this , NUDOR RWANDA proudly recognizes the achievements of RUGEMANDINZI Joseph and Patrick Mfitumukiza, two young men with disabilities who participated and have been selected as winners of the 2024 "We Can Work Storytelling Competition", organized by Light for the World. Their powerful stories highlight the strength and potential of young and men with when given equal opportunities and when barriers to their participation are removed.
RUGEMANDINZI Joseph, 35, is a Rwandan agronomist, filmmaker, researcher, and inclusion advocate who has low vision disability. He is currently engaged in bio-fertilizer research, contributing meaningfully to sustainable agriculture in hashtag .
Patrick Mfitumukiza, 21, grew up in a remote and underprivileged area and lives with physical . Despite the challenges he faced, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of education. He successfully completed his primary and secondary hashtag , later joining the Bridge2Rwanda (Isomo Academy Program). Today, under the support of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the African Leadership University, he is a proud second-year student at the The AfricanLeadership University, where he is studying Entrepreneurial Leadership.
Patrick, a former leader of children with disabilities in Rubavu District, his place of birth, is currently serving as the representative of students with disabilities at the African Leadership University, under the Mastercard Foundation Program.
The two young men shared powerful and inspiring stories that underscore the resilience of young hashtag and men with hashtag . Their stories show the importance of changing the community mindsets around hashtag and the urgent need to remove barriers to , , , and other fundamental human and children's rights.
Having overcome some challenges associated with their disabilities, their journeys now serve as an inspiration for other young women and men with disabilities facing similar circumstances.
The program is committed to advancing opportunities for young women and men with disabilities across , enabling them to access dignified and fulfilling employment.