Wheels for the World Rwanda 2026

In September 2026, a team from Through the Roof returned to Rwanda for another Wheels for the World mission. Across three districts, our team distributed wheelchairs and walking aids, shared Bibles, strengthened partnerships with local leaders, and witnessed the life-changing impact that mobility can have on disabled people and their families.

By the end of the mission, 201 people had received mobility equipment, helping them gain greater independence, dignity and access to everyday life. And they witnessed God’s love for them in action.

Nina’s story: supporting the whole family

One of the first people we met was 17-year-old Nina from Kamonyi District.

Nina cannot walk, see or speak, and had never previously had access to a wheelchair. Her mother carried her to the distribution venue so she could be assessed and receive suitable equipment.

Nina’s difficulties began following a severe illness as a baby. Caring for her has required extraordinary dedication from her family over many years. Receiving a wheelchair will make everyday life more manageable and help Nina and her family participate more fully in their community.

During the assessment, local partners gathered around Nina and prayed with the family, providing a powerful reminder that every person is valued, loved and made in the image of God.

More Than a Wheelchair

When someone cannot move freely, every aspect of life becomes harder. Going to school, earning a living, attending church, visiting friends, or even moving around the home can become a daily challenge.

That is why the work of Wheels for the World is about much more than delivering equipment. A wheelchair can mean access to education, employment, healthcare, worship and community life. It can restore independence and open doors that have been closed for years.

Throughout the mission, we met children, adults and older people who had spent years being carried by relatives, crawling on the ground, or relying entirely on others to move from place to place. Many had never owned a wheelchair of mobility aid before.

Restoring Dignity After Years of Struggle

Among the adults attending the distributions was 68-year-old Péliecie.
After a landmine accident in 2003, both of her legs were amputated below the knee. The wheelchair she had been using for many years had deteriorated beyond repair, leaving her increasingly dependent on crawling to move around.

At the distribution, she received a replacement wheelchair carefully selected to meet her needs. Surrounded by members of her family, including six children and ten grandchildren, she expressed deep gratitude for the renewed independence the chair would bring.

Her story highlighted something we encountered repeatedly throughout the mission: mobility equipment does not simply improve movement. It restores dignity, confidence and participation in family life.

New Opportunities in Nyagatare

As the mission moved to Nyagatare District, more stories emerged of lives being transformed through appropriate mobility support.

One recipient, Mbugsnogike, arrived using a damaged wheelchair that was far too small for him. Without suitable equipment, he was often forced to crawl or rely on others to carry him.

A husband and father of five, he earns an income repairing shoes and dreams of expanding his livelihood through a small produce business. His new wheelchair will help him travel more easily, continue supporting his family and participate more fully in church and community life.

He was also delighted to receive a Bible, which he described as an equally important gift.

Another recipient, Munyawra Ngabo, had suffered a serious injury after a fall that left him with severe mobility difficulties. Living alone, everyday activities had become increasingly challenging.

Receiving a wheelchair has given him greater independence and the opportunity to reconnect more easily with those around him. He also chose to receive an audio Bible, enabling him to engage with God’s Word in a format that meets his needs.

Children Full of Potential

Eight-year-old Julios arrived with his mother and baby sibling.

Born with disabilities affecting his movement and balance, Julios was unable to walk until he was three years old and continues to face significant mobility challenges. He dreams of attending art school one day.

After assessment, he received a walking frame that will help him move more confidently and independently. The equipment will support him in accessing education, participating in church activities and developing the skills he needs to pursue his ambitions.

Born with hydrocephalus, Pabrico currently moves around by crawling and requires constant supervision.

During his assessment he enthusiastically interacted with the physiotherapist and enjoyed playing with a hand puppet brought along by the team.

The wheelchair he received will help him engage more fully with the world around him, providing greater opportunities for learning, exploration and participation in family and community life.

Building Partnerships for the Future

Alongside the wheelchair distributions, the team spent time meeting local leaders and government representatives.

These conversations demonstrated a growing commitment to disability inclusion and a recognition of the importance of supporting disabled people within their communities.

Particularly encouraging discussions took place with leaders in Nyagatare, who shared a vision for future physiotherapy services for disabled children in the region. Local authorities expressed willingness to support such developments, creating exciting possibilities for longer-term rehabilitation and support.

These partnerships are vital in ensuring that the impact of a mission continues long after the team has returned home.

Sharing Faith and Hope

At the heart of every Wheels for the World mission is a desire to share the love of Christ in both word and action. Every recipient was offered a Bible or an appropriate Bible resource, and conversations about faith took place alongside every assessment and wheelchair fitting.

The team prayed with many individuals and families, listening to their stories and encouraging them with the hope found in Jesus Christ.
One especially memorable moment came on a Sunday when the team joined local believers for worship. During the service, 39 people were baptised, including the team’s driver, who publicly declared his faith in Christ.

It was a powerful reminder that God continues to work in remarkable ways through relationships, service and faithful witness.

Thank You for Making This Possible

As the mission came to a close, the team reflected on all that had been achieved: 201 people served, new partnerships strengthened, and countless opportunities created for disabled people to participate more fully in family, community and church life.

Yet the true impact of the mission cannot be measured by numbers alone.

Behind every wheelchair is a person. A child able to access education. A parent better able to support their family. An older person regaining dignity and independence. A family discovering renewed hope.

To everyone who prayed, donated, packed wheelchairs, volunteered and supported this mission, thank you!

Because of your partnership, lives have been transformed across Rwanda. Together, we are helping ensure that disabled people are not left on the margins but recognised as valued, included and vital members of their communities and of the body of Christ.