Marie von Kirchmann

Local Governance for Poverty Reduction (LG4P) & Social Protection Project (SPP) @GIZ_Rwanda. Views are my own.

[Marie von Kirchmann @KirchmannVon]

Happy international sign language day! #ngomadistrict #RNUD

[RWANDA NATIONAL UNION OF THE DEAF (RNUD) @rnudeaf]

Guess who joined us for #IWD2026? 🤟🏽

This year, we were honoured to have a GIZ Inclusion Officer accept the #GlobalLeadersChallenge and take a step toward promoting Deaf people’s rights and inclusion.

They even received a sign name!

[Marie von Kirchmann @KirchmannVon]

I had the honour of meeting His Excellency President @EmmanuelMacron in #Nairobi during the concert of the Africa-France Summit.

The summit highlighted how deeply connected Africa and the European Union are and the importance of strengthening our partnership for the future.

[Transparency International Rwanda @TI_Rwanda]

Marie von, Technical Advisor from @giz_rwand stressed that strong partnerships are vital to social protection. She said digital tools like e-payments improve efficiency &reduce risk, but trust, inclusion, accessibility & sustained collaboration are essential for lasting impact.

[Transparency International Rwanda @TI_Rwanda]

She underscored the importance of promoting citizen participation in strengthening public financial management and stressed that ongoing efforts must be translated into sustainable, long-term action.

[NCPD Rwanda @ncpdrwanda]

None @HuyeDistrict hizihijwe Umunsi Mpuzamahanga w’Inkoni Yera ku nsanganyamatsiko igira iti: “Tubona birenze imboni.” ubutumwa bwatanzwe bwibanze ku mumaro w'iyi nkoni, iyobora abatabona ikaba n'igikoresho cy'ubuzima bwa buri munsi.ikaba igomba kubahwa na buri wese.

[NCPD Rwanda @ncpdrwanda]

At @HuyeDistrict, the International White Cane Day was celebrated under the theme “Seeing Beyond Vision.” The message emphasized the importance of the white cane as a tool that guides persons with visual impairment and supports their daily independence.

[Huye District @HuyeDistrict]

Ubuyobozi bwa RUB n'ubw'Akarere bwashimye Leta y'u Rwanda yashyize imbere gahunda zo guharanira imibereho myiza n'iterambere ry'Abanyarwanda bose nta vangura.
Umunsi mpuzamahanga w'Inkoni yera wizihizwaga ku nshuro ya 17. Muri iki gikorwa hatanzwe inkoni zera (White canes) 300.

[DOT Rwanda @DOTRwanda]

Today, @DOTRwanda joins partners in celebrating #WhiteCaneDay2025 in @HuyeDistr, reaffirming our commitment to empowering all youth including those with visual impairment through the #DSEProgram.
Together, we’re building a more inclusive digital future for all. #DOTYouth

[Marie von Kirchmann @KirchmannVon]

Three different ways of communicating are represented here:

1) The speech is in Kinyarwanda
2) Sign language interpreter
3) Translation to English

Being able to communicate is essential to dignity, connection and choice and it is a human right!

#Rwanda #HumanRight

[Huye District @HuyeDistrict]

Twishimiye kubaha ikaze iwacu, dusangire ubunararibonye ku mikorere n'imikoranire biganisha ku ntego yo #KwegeraUmuturage.

[Marie von Kirchmann @KirchmannVon]

As we celebrate #InternationalWeekOfTheDeaf2025, I had the honour of attending the powerful finale in Rwanda, a vibrant event filled with art, culture & advocacy. Every moment was a reminder that language access is not a luxury but a human right.

@ncpdrwanda @rnudeaf @NUDOR_Rw

[NCPD Rwanda @ncpdrwanda]

MP Mbabazi Olivia commended the Rwanda Sign Language Dictionary as a milestone, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to accessibility and the protection of Deaf community rights nationwide.

[Marie von Kirchmann @KirchmannVon]

“Insurance only works if it fits the local reality. What looks affordable to us might be out of reach for families in remote villages.” - Inspiring panel discussion with Geoffrey Kayonde & Andrew Kulayige

Global shield workshop in #Kigali

[Marie von Kirchmann @KirchmannVon]

“Disabled does not mean unable” - @JeanRusi, Vice Mayor of Economic Development

This workshop in @RuhangoDistrict had as aim to empower people with disabilities and show them that they are able!

[Ruhango District @RuhangoDistrict]

Mu nzu mberabyombi y'Akarere hari kubera inama rusange y'inama y'Igihugu y'abagore mu Karere. "Uruhare rw'Umugore mu kubaka umuryango ushoboye kandi utekanye". Yitabiriwe n'Umuyobozi w'Akarere Wungirije ushinzwe iterambere ry'Ubukungu @JeanRusi ari kumwe n'izindi nzego.

[Marie von Kirchmann @KirchmannVon]

I visited a rehabilitation center in Masaka where blind people learn independence—how to dress, clean and build skills like cooking 🧑‍🍳 soap-making 🧼 knitting 🧶 and massage 💆

They CAN work and often it’s mindset that holds them back.

Thank you @RUBRwanda for inviting me 🙏

[German Embassy Kigali @GermanyinRwanda]

#MeetTheNGOs @RwandaDeafwomen
📘 Learn more in this info booklet: https://t.co/G1gK9odJ6r

#RNADW #DeafInclusion #CommunityLedSolutions

[Marie von Kirchmann @KirchmannVon]

Proud to have run the #peacehalfmarathon for Team Germany 🇩🇪 in hilly #Kigali
Thank you #Rwanda for making me live moments like these 🇷🇼

[GIZ Rwanda @giz_rwanda]

Meet the Steppers Squadron!🚶‍♀️🏆 GIZ RW/BI wrapped up #StepChallenge 2024 with 192,086 steps, covering 16,543 km. Our top 3 steppers were recognized by our Country Director, @maikschwarz2020, who emphasized the impact of exercise on health, team spirit and productivity👏

[Marie von Kirchmann @KirchmannVon]

Happy to have giving a presentation on #Imihigo and Local governance in Rwanda to a delegation from Benin 🇧🇯

The exchange was very insightful and rich.