The Urugwiro Center is a beacon of hope for children, youth, and adults with disabilities in Nkanka Parish, Cyangugu Diocese. Established in September 2004, this day center has grown into a vital community resource, supporting over 100 individuals annually. Its mission is clear: to empower those with disabilities and help them integrate into society with dignity and independence. Managed since 2007 by Consuelo Ceribelli, a dedicated volunteer missionary of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), the center stands as a testament to compassion and commitment.
Why the Center was created
The Urugwiro Center was founded to address the pressing needs of children with mental and epileptic disabilities, providing them with specialized education to enhance their behavior and health. Over the years, its scope expanded to include children with hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and other challenges. The center also offers a lifeline to families struggling with poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to medical care.
A mission of empowerment
The center’s mission is to provide psychosocial support, promote dignity and equality, and ensure that individuals with disabilities achieve autonomy. Through education, therapy, and vocational training, the center aims to:
- Foster self-awareness among children about their equal worth and rights.
- Support the completion of primary education for all children.
- Encourage independence in daily life activities.
- Promote moral values, hygiene, and respectful interpersonal relationships.
Activities that change lives
The Urugwiro Center has implemented a wide range of impactful activities to meet the diverse needs of its beneficiaries:
- Specialized education: Programs in music therapy, sensory exercises, motor skills training, literacy, games, and sports are offered to children with intellectual and physical challenges.
- Vocational training: Young individuals with hearing impairments are trained in carpentry and sewing, equipping them with skills to earn a living.
- Therapeutic services: Physiotherapy sessions and home visits provide essential support for children with physical disabilities, many of whom suffer due to malnutrition and poverty.
- Community support: Families receive assistance such as livestock (goats or pigs) to improve their livelihoods, as well as annual health insurance coverage for their children.
- Agricultural projects: Parents of disabled children cultivate maize and beans at the center, contributing to food security for the community.
- Moral and social development: Adults with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities engage in farming, housekeeping, and moral education.
The impact
Since its inception, the Urugwiro Center has profoundly impacted the lives of individuals and families. More than fifty children with lower limb deformities have received corrective devices, enabling them to walk and participate more fully in life. Additionally, young deaf individuals now communicate effectively through sign language and contribute to their communities as skilled professionals.
Challenges and strategies
Despite its remarkable achievements, the Urugwiro Center faces significant challenges, including:
- Limited funds for staff salaries, medical care, and educational materials.
- Rising costs of food and transport for children traveling long distances.
- Insufficient resources for vocational training equipment and orthotic devices.
To address these challenges, the center seeks to:
- Strengthen partnerships with benefactors and organizations.
- Expand income-generating activities like livestock farming and agricultural projects.
- Advocate for more community involvement and support.
Join us in making a difference
The children and families served by the Urugwiro Center rely on our collective generosity to thrive. Your support can help provide essential services, educational materials, and medical care. Together, we can transform lives and build a more inclusive society.
Table of children by age and gender (2024)
| Age Group | Boys | Girls | Total |
| 0–5 years | 10 | 12 | 22 |
| 6–13 years | 11 | 13 | 24 |
| 14–17 years | 7 | 4 | 11 |
| Over 18 years | 25 | 21 | 46 |
| Total | 53 | 50 | 103 |
Table of children by disability type (2024)
| Disability Type | Boys | Girls | Total |
| Mental | 15 | 29 | 44 |
| Hearing impaired | 10 | 8 | 18 |
| Physical | 7 | 15 | 22 |
| Mixed | 13 | 6 | 19 |
| Total | 45 | 58 | 103 |
For more information or to contribute, please contact:
Consuelo Ceribelli, Director of the Center
Email: consueloceribelli@hotmail.com
Tel: +250 788 485 034
Diocesan Curia
Email: diocesecyangugu@gmail.com
Tel: +250 788 279 965