SpecialSkills Rwanda. Sharing Skills. Changing Lives.
We shift mindsets and build inclusion, empowering people with disabilities and those around them to grow, lead and thrive together.
What Drives Us
OUR VISION
SpecialSkills was founded in 2021 out of a deep recognition that children with intellectual disabilities in Rwanda were being left behind. Although a national curriculum had been developed for learners with intellectual challenges, many schools were unaware of its existence — and those that knew of it often lacked the guidance to implement it effectively.
Driven by this gap, Astrid Herbosch established SpecialSkills to turn policy into practice. With initial support from the Liliane Foundation and in partnership with NUDOR, she launched the project “Achieving the Full Potential of Children with Intellectual Disabilities in Rwanda.” Since then, SpecialSkills has been working to build inclusive learning environments, equip educators and caregivers, and ensure that every child — regardless of ability — has the chance to thrive.
We believe every child has the right to quality education – and that inclusion begins with understanding.
That’s why we work to break down barriers, shift mindsets, and equip everyone involved in a child’s life – from government staff, school directors, and teachers to community healthy workers, parents, and caregivers – with the skills to support every child, especially those with disabilities, to learn, grow, and belong.
What We Do
Capacity Building in Inclusive Education Systems
During our first project (2022-2024) we rolled up our sleeves and delivered hands-on training in 7 special schools across the country – starting with 2 ‘model schools’ and expanding to 5 more. Everyone got involved: school leaders, teachers, and even caregivers!
Working with Parents and Communities
We teamed up with Community Health workers, local leaders, and parents to spread the word: children wit disabilities belong in school! This helped boost enrollment and created a more welcoming environment.
Advocacy and Policy Support
We didn’t stop at schools – we also met with policymakers, hosted events, and worked with the media to make sure the needs of our learners were heard loud and clear.
Impact Stories
Cedric - Office cleaning and maintenance at SpecialSkills
Cedric is a young man with an intellectual disability, and our colleague at SpecialSkills. He’s not just a cleaner – he’s the best you’ll ever meet. His work ethic, his dedication, and his spirit light up our workplace.
We make sure he gets a good salary, because everyone deserves the dignity of decent work and fair pay. It’s more than just inclusion; it’s about recognizing the value of every person. Cedric is proof of that and we stand by him.
Zawadi - Teacher at Centre Komera, Rutsiro, Rwanda
When Zawadi first stepped into her classroom at Centre Komera, near Lake Kivu, she felt completely unprepared. She had studied geography, not special education, and suddenly found herself facing a room full of children with disabilities. They stared at her… and she stared back, unsure of what to do or how to reach them. That moment could have been overwhelming—but it became the beginning of something extraordinary…
Partners
