The ceremony, held at the Digital Transformation Center in Kigali, underscored a collective commitment to ensuring that the digital future is accessible to all.
The event brought together key partners and dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Israel to Rwanda, a representative of the German development agency GIZ, officials from the Ministry of ICT, the Segal Family Foundation, Dot Foundation, the Rwanda Basic Education Board, the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), and Dot Rwandaâ€"highlighting the strong collaborative spirit driving this initiative forward.
Rwanda Assistive Technology Access is an NGO founded in 2018 by Rene William Ngabo, with a core mission to promote access to assistive technology and advance the digital inclusion of persons with disabilities.
It is driven by the belief that the right devices, equipment, and software can unlock limitless potential, and works to fill critical gaps in the assistive technology landscape in this digital era.
'Passion and commitment make things possible. At RATA, we bridge the gap in assistive technology because we believe the right devices and software can unlock limitless potential.
'Today, seeing our talented graduates gain real coding skills proves that when barriers are removed, ability becomes unstoppable,' said Rene William Ngabo, RATA's Founder and Director, as he addressed the graduates, recognizing their resilience and the collective effort that made this milestone possible.
Marie Grace Niwemukiza, a representative from the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), said the initiative aligns with Rwanda's National Priorities.
This is a strong initiative aligned with NST2 and the One Million Coders Initiative, which is a key government priority to build a digitally skilled workforce,' she said. 'Programs like this expand access to digital skills, strengthen inclusion, and support national efforts to ensure that no one is left behind.'
She further reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting inclusive digital programs that broaden skills and employment opportunities, particularly for persons with disabilities.
She also reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to inclusive digital programs that expand skills and opportunities, particularly for persons with disabilities.
The celebration underscored a unified commitment to inclusive progress.
GIZ representative Norman Schräpel addressed the graduates directly, affirming: 'Training in coding for people who normally don't have access to this kind of skills is making history.'
He emphasized the critical need for diverse perspectives in tech, addressing both gender gaps and the inclusion of persons with disabilities to build a truly representative talent force.
Echoing the sentiment of shared vision and resilience, the Ambassador of Israel, Einat Weiss, drew parallels between Rwanda and Israel, focusing on innovation as a cornerstone of development.
She commended the graduates' extraordinary dedication, adding: 'Seven months of coding is very hard and you set a standard.'
She concluded with a powerful call to action, urging stakeholders to make digital accessibility a standard, invest in inclusive design, and build partnerships that place persons with disabilities at the center of innovation.
The seven-month intensive program equipped the graduates with fundamental and advanced coding skills, preparing them to be active contributors to Rwanda's growing tech ecosystem.
Selected as the top performers from RATA's foundational digital literacy training, these graduates have now mastered coding, marking a significant leap in their tech careers.
They are now poised to pursue tech careers, participate in the local production of assistive technologies, and develop solutions for their communities, contributing to projects that leverage technology for social good.
Théophile Niyitegeka
