Pioneering Special Education
Across Sub-Saharan Africa
The Moyo Center transforms special education for children with disabilities through training, research, and community building.
Cutting-Edge Training
Create tailored curricula for children with disabilities in Rwanda and Sub-Saharan Africa, providing teachers with up-to-date techniques and strategies to effectively support diverse learners.
Professional Development
Offer continuous seminars, workshops, and training for educators, while developing and testing methodologies to help schools include children with special needs.
Community building
Combat stigma and promote understanding of children with disabilities by raising awareness, encouraging inclusivity, and educating communities.
The challenge in numbers
14%
Of Rwandan teachers are trained in special needs and inclusive education.*
39k
Special needs learners are not receiving the tailored support they need to thrive.*
1.3%
Of Schools in Rwanda met inclusive education requirements*
Inclusive education is a fundamental right. While 68.1% of schools have adapted infrastructures, this alone is insufficient. Equipping teachers with inclusive pedagogical skills is crucial to provide equitable education for all students.
*Sources: Unicef Rwanda | Rwanda Governance Board
The Founders Story
Paulin Basinga and Nathalie Muhoze Furere, both born to exiled families in the Democratic Republic of Congo, returned to Rwanda after the 1994 genocide. They married in 2007 and welcomed twin boys in 2013, followed by a third son in 2014. After their two sons were diagnosed with autism, they dedicated themselves to advocating for autism services in Rwanda and Sub-Saharan Africa. Inspired by the care their children received in the U.S., their mission is to develop inclusive education systems for children with disabilities.
The Moyo Center
The Mission
Our mission is to transform inclusive education in Rwanda and Sub-Saharan Africa through innovative training, professional development, research, and community-building. Autism presents unique challenges to public education systems in these regions, yet its true impact remains obscured by limited diagnostic systems, insufficient awareness, and a lack of comprehensive data. We are committed to addressing these barriers, empowering educators, and fostering communities that support every learner's potential.
The Impact
The Moyo Center is dedicated to building communities of belonging through special education, professional development, and research. We envision a future where all learners, regardless of ability, have the opportunity to thrive in both their education and community.
The Vision
We envision building a state-of-the-art facility in Rwanda that serves as the heart of The Moyo Center’s mission to foster inclusive education and community empowerment. This custom-designed space will feature inclusive classrooms, therapy rooms, family consultation areas, a resource library, and residential facilities, providing comprehensive support for children with disabilities and their families. Beyond education, our facility will serve as a vibrant community hub, hosting external events, offering a community café, and creating a welcoming space for collaboration, growth, and social connection.
Our Focus Areas
The Moyo Center aims to showcase the feasibility and effectiveness of inclusive education programs in the region, setting the foundation for wider implementation and lasting impact.
Research Hub
Serve as a hub and become a repository for evidence-based interventions.
Contextualized Curriculum
Develop curricula tailored for children with disabilities in Rwanda and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Customized Training
Equip teachers with the latest approaches for working with children with disabilities.
Professional Development
Provide ongoing seminars, workshops, and training for educators.
“We envision a future where thriving communities across Rwanda and Sub-Saharan Africa empower every child, particularly those with disabilities, to reach their full potential and contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of the entire region.”
— Dr. Paulin Basinga
Learn More
Short-term: Pilot Program
Our pilot program includes developing customized educational materials & training teachers in two schools.
Long-term: Training & Research Hub
We seek to build a custom-designed research and training center which will also serve as a community hub.