Persons living with a disability are appealing for more funding to facilitate vocational training programmes such as traditional basket weaving and craft-making to help them to sustain themselves.

This would also improve their prospects of getting employed and be self-sufficient.

Currently, Talking through Art is among the few initiatives designed to empower people living with a disability around the country.

Talking through Art, a non-governmental organisation, offers vocational training on traditional basket weaving and crafts to people with a disability.

They offer comprehensive training and raw materials to begin their work. Upon completion, they are paid an above-average market price for each product. Completed items are sold at their gallery and online.

Mother of three, Jean Mukankuranga, who earns about Rwf50,000 per month said the training has empowered them to be self-sufficient.

Ms Mukankuranga lost her right arm in a car accident in 2007. She comes from a family of 12 but lost seven of her siblings during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

While she did not get a chance to go to school while young because her father did not believe in educating girls, Ms Mukankuranga is now learning English and how to weave baskets.

She is currently one of the fastest weavers despite having only one arm.

Her newly-gained skills are bringing in extra income to provide for her children and grandchildren. She is paid Rwf15,000 commission per basket.

“I would like to see my children complete school and live a better life from mine. That will be my joy to see my children complete their studies,” said Ms Mukankuranga.

Currently, Talking through Art supports over 40 members and target to expand this to 200 next year though this will require additional resources.

“The skills attained at our organisation are still very low but with time they will improve especially with government intervention. If we could get government support in the form of finance to buy the raw materials and hire trainers, it would be a big step forward for us,” Steven Iradukunda, vice president of Talking through Art told Rwanda Today.

Talking through Art also provides weekly English classes for its members.

Among the key beneficiaries of the project is Muhawenimana Emilienne a young woman determined to succeed.

Despite her legs being partially paralysed due to polio, she is upbeat and driven.

Ms Muhawenimana was only seven during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and she lost both her parents and two siblings.

Her brother later found her at an orphanage in Nyamata and she now lives with her aunt in Kigali.

Ms Muhawenimana dreams of owning a beauty salon. She has been with the organisation from the start and quickly learnt all the skills such as jewellery making, knitting and crocheting.

She weaves baskets on a professional level and is able to support herself financially.