The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. As the outbreak had spread around the world, it had become more difficult to manage. More countries opted to take the strictest measures possible to contain it. Well, over 100 countries globally had instituted either a full or partial lockdown by the end of March 2020, affecting billions of people. In the final week of March, as more and more countries introduced travel restrictions to try to contain the virus, many others had recommended restricted movement for some or all of their citizens. It seemed as if the whole world was in hiding!!
On 21 March 2020, the prime minister of Rwanda announced a two-week national lockdown for further precautionary measures to curb the spread of Covid-19. The measures were aimed at restricting unwarranted movement except for essential services ensuring that all workers in all public and private sectors work from home except for those rendering essential service. Life had to go on and work to continue as much as possible. That is when we remembered that the information technology could come to our rescue. That means video calls and instant messaging have become invaluable workroom tools. Virtual meetings started being held and people getting out to go to the office only when it is absolutely necessary.
There was so much confusion like students being stuck at school when they have been allowed to go home or being stuck at home when they have been called to school and naturally students with visual impairments looked to RUB for support. Luckily, the Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) already had service badges for staff which could make it possible for them to move around during the lockdown. We had to quickly find voluntary partners to assist in transporting student to their various destinations instead of them using the public transport. Other RUB members were short of food, we stepped up and got assistance from well-wishers. This is why we always say that unity is strength. The Covid 19 period really proved this.
Other important activities that took place virtually include: WBU General Assembly, the RUB General Assembly and Numerous international meetings. This might mean that the international travel is set to reduce drastically because meetings can now be held virtually. Why had we not thought of this before!!! How much wiser we are now! I’m sure organizational budgets will stretch much further.
DONATILLA KANIMBA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
RWANDA UNION OF THE BLIND (RUB)
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