Helping The Forgotten People Of The World
Hello Everyone,
I just returned from a 2-week trip to Burundi. When I travel to Burundi, Nepal, Lebanon, and even Myanmar, I try to write an email update every two or three days to keep you all abreast of key developments. I did not write any on this trip, because the situation was too precarious and I did not want to write something that might get me arrested or, even worse, create major problems for my Burundian partners. To be candid, there were many things I saw and heard that I am still very concerned about exposing in an email. When I describe the situation on the ground later in this email, I will be leaving out some of the more sensitive content.
But, before I tell you about the situation on the ground, let me address some of the incredible successes we had while I was in country.
Niles
Mutambara Rabbit Project š
Mutambara is a vulnerable community in Rumonge, about two hours south of Bujumbura, where weāve been working for several years. Our partner, Marie Chantal Irakoze, founder of CARE for the Children Burundi, forms empowerment groups of up to 40 women who support each other and make small business loans with seed money from CARE. Over 50% of the adult women in Mutambara are in these groups.
On May 25th, we launched the Mutambara Rabbit Project. Rabbits were distributed to the empowerment groups collectively, not to individuals. The groups manage and sell the rabbits, with a committee deciding on prices and profit use. CARE provided land, materials for habitats, vaccines, health certifications, and food. Each group received 10 female and 5 male rabbits, which cannot be sold for the first six months to allow reproduction.
Gahararo Water Project š§
If youāve been following us for some time, you know that we work with the indigenous Batwa people of Burundi, the single poorest people group in the world. The villages we work with in are Batwa villages called Gahararo and Ruganirwa. We have done porridge programs, school uniform projects, housing projects, solar lighting installations, and water in these villages.
We have seen miracles happen in these Batwa villages. For example, the Batwa constructed a church of their own volition and did so with their own funds and without asking us for help. In the same way, they constructed pit toilets, one for every two houses throughout the community. Again, this was of their own volition and without any request to us for funds. These things never would have happened when we first arrived on the scene in 2012.
Another one of these miracles occurred while I was just in Burundi. The water system we paid to have constructed in 2018 serves 6000 people, Batwa, Hutu, and Tutsi alike. However, because the system was intended for the Batwa, they administer the system and collect a small fee from users of the system.
There is a mining cooperative near Gahararo consisting of 25 families who work a small pit gold mines. They recently asked if the water system could be extended to their small village. The Batwa agreed, and using money in the water committeeās coffers, they completed an extension of the water system to the mining cooperative. This is huge! Along with the church and the pit toilets, this extension of the water system shows that the Batwa are developing an ethic of cooperation and care for their fellow Burundians. I actually believe this is one of the greatest successes GCA has ever experienced.
(was asked not to share photos)
Musama Slum š©
During my visit to the Renewal Center in Musama, I saw firsthand its tremendous success and significance to the community. The center now serves 300 children daily, providing a place for them to socialize, study, play, eat, and learn about Jesus, offering a respite from their challenging lives. This success is largely due to Victorās charisma and the centerās engaging programs and welcoming environment.
I spoke with many children and parents, all of whom expressed deep gratitude for the center, Victor, and GCA. One father, Pascal, was particularly emotional, sharing that his seven children benefit greatly from the center, which has significantly improved their academic performance.
Busuro Slum š©
Busoro, like Musama, is a slum with significant social issues and vulnerable children. We plan to build a second Renewal Center there and are actively searching for a building to lease or purchase, with Victor leading the efforts.
During my visit to Busoro with Victor, I spent time with a family advocating for the center. Patience, a 35-year-old mother of 13 (12 living), invited me to learn about their situation. Seventeen people live in their two-room shack, and they had no toilet until Victor recently built one. Patienceās children do not attend school due to the inability to afford uniforms and supplies, and the family struggles to eat, managing only one meal every fourth or fifth day with minimal protein.
Concerning Developments in Burundi
Before my trip to Burundi, I learned about two major massacres in Bujumbura province, committed by the rebel group RED-Tabara, and several grenade attacks in the city. These events made me uneasy about the trip. Upon arrival on May 14, my uneasiness grew due to hyperinflation and an acute fuel crisis, causing significant panic and food insecurity. Violent fights at gas stations and skyrocketing black market fuel prices further worsened the situation.
Additionally, catastrophic flooding from monsoons raised Lake Tanganyikaās water levels, bringing hippos, crocodiles, and snakes into the city streets. On the afternoon of Sunday, May 18th, I decided to walk about two miles from my hotel to a bridge over the Rusizi River, a national park and wildlife refuge known for hippos and crocodiles. Upon arrival, I encountered a menacing soldier who, with his finger on the trigger of his AK, ordered me to leave. Though I donāt speak Kirundi, his intent was clear, and I quickly complied to avoid danger. While I canāt be certain, I believe his order wasnāt about preventing me from seeing the wildlife but rather something else the military didnāt want exposed in the river. Subsequently, a presidential edict banned foreigners from taking photos or videos, and airport authorities began confiscating cameras and phones unless bribes were paid.
Please pray for the people in Burundi, who face lawlessness, intimidation, and lack of civil rights under the ruling partyās regime.
Save the Date: Fall Fundraiser š
September 14
Weāre thrilled to invite you to this Saturdayās Fall Fundraiser, where weāll come together to make a positive impact on the world. If you havenāt already, please RSVP for a memorable evening filled with fun and philanthropy. We are excited to introduce our āPassportā experience, designed to immerse you in the vibrant cultures of Burundi, Mexico, and Nepal, all while enjoying some delicious cuisine. Hope to see you there!
Date & Time: Saturday, September 14 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT
Location: Water Conservation Garden, El Cajon, CA
(This is a free event, but kindly RSVP so we can ensure thereās enough food for everyone)
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Global Care Alliance
5638 Lake Murray Blvd., Ste. 153
La Mesa, CA 91942
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