Burundi

Mothers' Union works closely with the Episcopal Church of Burundi. Since the ending of over a decade of armed-conflict in Burundi in 2005, Mothers' Union has worked closely with the Episcopal Church of Burundi to establish peace and bringing reconciliation and cohesion to communities previously driven apart by ethnic conflict.

As refugees return home, Mothers' Union members help with basic provisions and household items they may need, and work closely with the communities, providing workshops to encourage positive reintegration.

As in many sub-Saharan countries, poverty, malnutrition, the effects of HIV/AIDS and malaria are major issues facing communities. Mothers' Union have set up agricultural and income generation projects which specifically help widows and returning refugees to help them rebuild their lives.

Literacy & Development

The Mothers' Union Literacy & Development Programme (MULDP) is operating in every diocese in Burundi, and?has proved highly effective. In fact the literacy work is so successful a model, that the Government of Burundi are now seeking to make this the national model for their literacy programme.

Not only do the participants gain vital literacy skills, the groups also provide a fantastic discussion forum for overcoming issues of gender or ethnic inequality, and learning about environmental sustainability, HIV/AIDS prevention, human rights, health and hygiene and family planning. Women learners have successfully gone on to generate independent incomes, run small businesses and become part of community leadership groups.

In Buye diocese many of the learners in the programme have been displaced from their homes because of the war and live in horrific conditions in displacement camps. Countless people had to flee with only the clothes they were wearing. Many were left desolate, struggling to live in a foreign place without the means to make a living.

When the MULDP was offered to them they accepted with open arms. Since the programme began the displacement camps have been transformed. The process of learning together, sharing their problems and experiences and working hand in hand on development projects is key. It has helped to rebuild trust and encourage reconciliation within communities previously destroyed by the war.

The programme works in partnership with the government of Burundi. Since its introduction in 2000 over 8,000 learners have been accredited literate and numerate.

Cecile Nzdonimpa, accredited learner – Mtana, Burundi

“When my husband died my life became impossible because I had no understanding of money, couldn’t read or write and I had no way of making a living. I was so angry and dispirited. It made me lash out at my family. When the literacy circle started in my village I joined so I could read and write. I started in 2005 and it made me think about my life. They taught us how to develop ourselves. I decided to go and get tested for HIV. I didn’t even fear to take my children for testing – I was so confident in it being a good thing. I did test positive for HIV/AIDS, but being part of a circle has helped me to be confident in my future, and to provide for my children.

“When I became an accredited learner, I was able to join another local association – one to help give us a livelihood. The association gave me a cow. To have a cow as a widow is a very big thing. Now I can get milk which I sell for an income. I am also in an association for HIV+ people. There I learnt how to make necklaces out of glossy magazines and beads. All this started after the literacy programme and learning how to read and write. We were taught how to make them and we now sell them for about $6 and even in the UK. I am okay now and I am able to provide for my family.

“Now I am fine but before I was very sad and in fear of dying. I know now how to live and I’m very happy.”