Solange Nyiraneza

Started: She began playing sitting volleyball in 2010 in Gatagara, Rwanda. (Athlete, 18 Sep 2016) Reason: She was recruited to play the sport by a scout from the National Paralympic Committee of Rwanda. (worldparavolley.org, 2016) Awards: She was named Best Receiver at the 2019 African Championships. (funclub.rw, 18 Sep 2019; taarifa.rw, 01 Sep 2019) Additional Info: PROSTHETIST SCHOLARSHIP In 2021 she received a scholarship from Legs4Africa, a British charity that focuses on recycling prosthetics. Her scholarship included an internship at the Centre Internationale Orthopedique in Rwanda and a one-year course in lower limb prosthetic art at the Tanzania Training Center for Orthopaedic Technologists [TATCOT] in the United Republic of Tanzania. "I've always been fascinated by the process of creating prosthetic devices. Witnessing amputees regain their mobility and walk again was truly impressive and brought me immense joy. The ability to fabricate these devices and contribute to someone's quality of life is what I find fulfilling. My ultimate goal is to work in the prosthetics field and make a meaningful impact on the lives of amputees. I envision opening my own workshop dedicated to prosthetics, where I can continue to help and support individuals who have experienced limb loss." (Legs4Africa Facebook page, 01 Dec 2023, 15 Jun 2023, 18 Nov 2021; NPC Rwanda Facebook page, 16 Aug 2022) TOUGH CHILDHOOD She was age five months when both of her parents were killed at their house during a robbery. She and her brother were raised by their older sister, who was only age 12 at the time. "My childhood was difficult, because after the robbery we had nothing. We survived thanks to the income we got by growing some vegetables and by the small allowances from my sport." (worldparavolley.org, 2016)