Supporting Burundi in 2022
Maggie Hanson
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Dear Friends,
This is a time of great challenges in our world. But as we turn our mind and hearts to three small villages in Burundi we witness that hope is alive and there is progress being made towards a sustainable future for our Batwa friends. First Presbyterian is now in its seventh year of partnership with three Batwa villages in Burundi along with African Road, a non-profit in Portland, and Evariste Ndikumana and his team, our “hands and feet on the ground” in Burundi.
In the words of Evariste: “We thank you sincerely for your care and commitment to the Batwa people of Gahombo, Ndava and Mwendo. Your friendship and generosity bring hope and tangible progress to these communities as you walk alongside them in their ongoing development.” These words are reflected and celebrated in the following updates from the villages. Remarkable progress has been made!
- Identity Cards for adults and birth certificates for children continue to bring dignity, basic rights and increased acceptance in Burundi to 620 Batwa in three villages.
- 300 children are in school with uniforms, supplies, fees paid and are accepted by their peers. More children are staying in school, moving on to secondary school and beginning to graduate! A future dream to invest in vocational training opportunities is being explored.
- Villagers now own their own land and are able to grow crops year-round with the addition of a 3rd farming season. This eliminates the “hungry season” and provides a full year of nutrition for families.
- Medical insurance cards continue to provide access to clinics for all families and have reduced mortality.
Ten sturdy brick homes have been built in the village of Gahombo replacing makeshift straw shelters. The community chose to prioritize housing for 9 widows with children. In the words of Bernadette: “When it rained everything in the hut got wet and the children were sick all the time. Now we sleep in a solid, safe house. I praise God who answered my prayer!”
Each year with your help, we raise $18,000 to continue support of the education and agriculture projects in the villages which bring hope and observable progress to the Batwa’s long term goal of sustainability. We so appreciate your financial support as we move forward! All donations are tax deductible and go directly to the villages.
Support Burundi
We witness that hope is alive in Burundi and there is progress being made towards a sustainable future for our Batwa friends. First Presbyterian is now in its eighth year of partnership with three Batwa villages in Burundi through Evariste Ndikumana and his team, our “hands and feet on the ground” in Burundi.
Give to Burundi
For questions, contact:
- Maggie Hanson at 360 921-4348 or [email protected]
- Jacquie Coe at 541 390-5318 or [email protected]
With gratitude,
The Burundi Team
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