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Burundi's History
Burundi, a country with one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world, is recovering from years of civil war. The country’s first democratically elected president was assassinated in October 1993 after only 100 days in office, triggering widespread ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions. More than 200,000 Burundians perished during the conflict that spanned almost a dozen years. During the conflict, 17% of the population became refugees or internally displaced persons. Now over 700,000 of these refugees are returning to a country that is unequipped to meet their extreme health, social and economic needs.
Kayanza, a province in Northern Burundi, is surrounded by forests that ensure good rainfall, but was also the rebel troops’ stronghold during the civil war and is one the most affected areas. Schools and clinics were destroyed, and the social fabric of communities was torn apart by tribalism and violence. Yet even in this poor post-conflict context, the communities where FH works are dedicated to sustainable development and peace building.
FH In Burundi
FH Canada’s programs in Burundi are built on the strength of having successfully implemented similar programs in neighbouring Rwanda. Efforts focus on agriculture, food security and medical supply distribution. FH Burundi has now expanded to work in the areas of child development, health programming, economic development and refugee and returnee resettlement. All projects are working towards the goal of sound sustainability.If you are interested in following and/or hearing about how the McKenzies are doing in Burundi, here is a link to their blog http://scottanddanica.wordpress.com/
Amount: $
Ms. Ines, an elderly mother of five from Greater Lima, is a great example of a Leader Mother. She organizes her time so well that she can work and take care of her home as well as mentor children from the community during after-school classes.
“Even though I am an elderly person, being a Leader Mother gives me the opportunity to learn more,” she says. “I get the satisfaction of supporting the community to change for the better.”
Other amazing results include:
It's working! Poverty is being overcome by women who are transforming the health of their homes and communities.
It costs approximately $125 to train one Leader Mother. Our goal is to train 680 Leader Mothers this year. Will you help us by giving generously today?
Did you miss our Mighty Moms letter because of the postal strike? Click here to read it now.
Ethel’s husband Edwin drank heavily on weekends and became and verbally, physically and emotionally abusive towards Ethel and their daughters. Ethel decided to abandon her husband. Her daughters requested help for their family from FH because the family needed specialized intervention.
After eight months of psychological therapy, Edwin no longer attacks his family. He has learned to talk through problems with Ethel, to respect their agreements and to be more tolerant with the family.
“Edwin has changed,” says Ethel. “He is in therapy and he doesn’t drink liquor anymore. When he is tempted to drink, he will control it." Thanks to FH’s intervention, Ethel found work as a community health promoter and has participated in other community leadership roles.
Cost: about $110/family
One woman whose life was impacted by a Savings Group in Bangladesh was Aklima. After joining the group, she was able to start up and operate her own retail business. The business training was accompanied by couples training –focusing especially on the importance of mutual respect. This made a significant impact on Aklima’s family relationships. Aklima had been physically abused by her husband in the past. Her husband was taught about the importance of love and forgiveness, as well as how to deal with anger. He now works in her shop, and they co-operate the business as a partnership in their home.
Cost:
$6/month/woman or $80/year/woman
$70/month/group or $840/year/group
