Caritas Byumba urges parents to seek treatment for children with disabilities and end stigma
Father Augustin Nzabonimana, the head of Caritas in the Diocese of Byumba, emphasized that every parent must recognize that children with disabilities can be treated and live fulfilling lives.
He stressed that denying them this opportunity deprives them of both their right to health and the joy of living like other children.
He made these remarks on July 10, 2025, during a session with mental health specialists from the United States. These experts conducted training for parents on how to help children born with disabilities manage their anger and emotional outbursts.
Caritas Byumba runs Centre Izere, a facility located in Nyamiyaga Sector, dedicated to supporting children with disabilities. The center offers physiotherapy, accommodation, and access to education, with a focus on respecting their rights just like other children.
Father Nzabonimana praised the visiting American experts for equipping teachers and volunteers with tools to support individuals experiencing emotional distress. The goal is to help them regain happiness and prevent them from being overwhelmed by sadness.
Beatrice Mukamurara, a volunteer who monitors the children’s welfare at Centre Izere on a daily basis, said the training focused on how to support children dealing with emotional issues, especially those prone to anger.
However, she pointed out that there are still challenges related to parents who isolate or neglect their children due to severe disabilities.
She explained, “We were taught how to use our hands to relax muscles below the ears, on the forehead, and how to perform physical exercises on other body parts that help calm someone down when they are angry or distressed.”
Mukamurara added that a major hurdle remains the cultural stigma: some parents still hide children with disabilities due to shame or fear of community judgment. She emphasized that these children also have rights and deserve equal treatment.
The training introduced a method known as TFT (Thought Field Therapy), a hands-on approach that helps people recover from trauma or emotional distress using only their fingers—no tools or devices are needed.
Father Nzabonimana also highlighted that children with disabilities need more than just physical rehabilitation. He called for consistent efforts to ensure they receive balanced nutrition to prevent stunting and malnutrition.
