Burundi

Just south of Rwanda, the small nation of Burundi has suffered from intermittent warfare for many years.  Burundi is a very poor country, among the poorest in the world.  The per capita annual income is $100. Richard Mutabazi and Justine Musabyeyezu of CHABHA-Rwanda recently went to the capital, Bujumbura, to visit the project that is getting underway there. CHABHA has provided some support for school for 50 children.  Part of Richard’s report follows: 

We met the volunteer, Ms. Francine. She had made all the arrangements. We also met the two young  men leading the small association of children. They seem to be committed to the work with the children.

We went on home visits.  People are suffering there. I used to think that children in Rwanda are the ones suffering but it is far worse in Burundi. And for those affected by HIV/AIDS, there is strong stigma.

We visited 8 families and were welcomed.  One of the children had recently lost her mother, so we went to her place as a special visit because they are still in the mourning week. We talked to them, comforted them, and gave them some food as a support.

We also attended the Sunday gathering and enjoyed their dramas and dances. The children are happy to meet and play and dance.  

The Burundi project, AMAHORO Burundi, is new; we will put in photos and more information as we progress.

After that, we sat with the committee and highlighted some of AMAHORO Rwanda work that they could also apply in Bujumbura.

 As Francine is a medical student, she will follow the infected children, to make sure they get anti retroviral drugs, etc. This is just the beginning!