A Time for Reflection

April 6, 1994 marked the beginning of Burundi’s 14 year civil war. Now, several years after the final peace agreement was signed, Burundi has entered a period of recovery and reconstruction.

Restoration. Recovery. Reconciliation.

These words reflect a return to something that was lost in the conflict. They also point our attention to a future hope. A future built by survivors, founded on forgiveness. By community members who are committed to building peace while building schools. To community partners who are promoting hope while promoting education.

At a staff retreat a few years ago, a pastor joined the FH Burundi staff and shared words of encouragement about the life of Christ. He reminded us of the environment that Christ was born into- a world of political unrest, where uprisings led to great brutality and the displacement of thousands- was not too far from the experiences of many Burundians.

As a child, Jesus was a refugee in Egypt. As a young adult he worked as a carpenter to care for the needs of his family. He knew what it meant to be hungry. He knew what it meant to have family responsibilities. He knew what it meant to live without a home, to receive death threats. And yet... he was a peacemaker.

Burundians have known political unrest, suffered from violence and been displaced, worked long hours to care for family members and many have gone to bed hungry. Yet despite all of this, Burundians are continuing to work toward peace and they are achieving it.

At this time we are reminded that Christ knows the struggles of working and living in community and he knows how difficult it can be to live as a peacemaker. But he has called us to it. And he is equipping us for it.

This month, please join us in remembering and honoring those lost in past violence, and in praying for ongoing reconciliation.

Healthy Gardens Grow Healthy Children

"We are guilty of many errors and many faults, but our worst crime is abandoning the children, neglecting the foundation of life. Many of the things we need can wait. The child cannot. Right now is the time his bones are being formed, his blood is being made and his senses are being developed. 
To him we cannot answer "Tomorrow". His name is "Today"." 
Gabriela Mistral, 1948

A children’s first five years are critical to their development and future success. Adequate nutrition ensures proper brain development, strengthens immunity, promotes physical growth and strength, and develops good eating habits that children carry on to adulthood.

In Burundi, the World Health Organization has reported that more than one in three children under age 5 are underweight. Additionally, more than half of Burundi’s young children are suffering from stunted growth due to poor nutrition.

The United Nations Children’s Fund has reported Burundi’s under-5 mortality rank to be one of the highest in the world, as malnutrition and diarrhea claim numerous children’s lives.

We know that these deaths are preventable. We know that Burundian communities are strong, and that Burundian parents are committed to love and provide for their children.

This is why we have begun to work with mothers who are leaders in their communities, training them in nutrition education.

Mothers are becoming community educators, spreading health messages and good nutrition practices to their neighbors.

Our children’s futures begins today, and their mothers recognize the importance of their roles as caregivers, teachers, and community leaders.

The mothers call themselves Abitanga, or “people who give themselves”. They are giving their time to impact their communities, their children.

We celebrate the recent training of 73 mothers who are leading their communities in trainings. In the coming months, the Abitanga are planning to train over

1000 mothers in their communities about combating malnutrition and implementing good nutrition practices in the home.

In Pictures:

Right- FH staff member, Kenaz, measures and weighs primary school children to assess growth

Left- Mothers learn how to make a sack garden

President Nkurunziza's speech- Sept. 23, 2009

(pictured here with FH Burundi Country Director, Yves Habumugisha)

FH Burundi welcomes President Pierre Nkurunziza

RUYIGI, Burundi- On September 23 Burundi's President, Pierre Nkurunziza came to visit the FH Returnee Reintegration Program. Staff members were able to update the President on the progress of the program, and the changes that returnees are experiencing in their daily lives as a result of partnership with FH Burundi.

As the number of returnees supported by FH programs has recently doubled, so have our efforts. Activities now include infrastructure support and job creation through the construction of schools and development of community tree nurseries, animal restocking, environmental education, skill capacity building and training focused on community income generation in "off-farm" activities. Food security remains a priority and as a result FH also remains committed to agriculture support.