Rwanda is set to launch the Africa Deaf Christian College, an institution dedicated to expanding education and skills development for deaf and deaf-blind individuals. The college is expected to open in Bugesera District by September.
The institution will start with 12 classrooms and has a planned capacity of about 500 students. It will initially offer two faculties: Special Needs Education and Sign-Language Interpreting, and Theology, with both faculties expected to provide undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Led by Deaf Action Ministry Rwanda, the initiative seeks to address long-standing gaps in formal sign-language education and professional training for people with hearing impairments. The college aims to train qualified sign-language teachers and interpreters, strengthening local capacity and improving access to communication and information.
Plans are underway to secure accreditation from the Higher Education Council. While the college will operate as a fee-paying institution, efforts are being made to mobilise sponsorships and scholarships to widen access for students.
Observers say the new college is expected to help address the shortage of trained sign-language professionals in Rwanda, while supporting inclusive education and expanding higher learning opportunities for deaf and deaf-blind students.
Source: The New Times
