This campaign has now closed
Through the Kanyosha Project, we aim to: • Build a school of excellence and develop leaders who will shake and shape the long-term future of Burundi. • Train and equip young men and women of integrity to enter the realms of politics, business, media, education, or the arts, to positively transform the nation at all levels. • Empower the poorest of the poor through scholarships so they can fulfill their dreams.
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Beneficiaries
Situation
Burundi is a small, picturesque coffeegrowing country in the heart of Africa. Since its independence in 1962, it has gone through a great deal of turmoil. Sharing a similar background to Rwanda, tribal divisions involving Tutsi and Hutu led to much bloodshed in the ensuing decades. The latest civil war began in 1993 after the first democratically- elected President was killed. This led to hundreds, of thousands of people dying over the last fifteen years. Not surprisingly, Burundi is therefore one of the poorest nations on earth. The economy has been destroyed, corruption is rampant, HIV/AIDS is growing fast, and poverty is all-pervasive. On many levels, the situation looks very bleak. However, in 2005 free elections were held, and Pierre Nkurunziza was elected as President. Despite numerous challenges, the peace process has advanced such that the last rebel group has now agreed to disarm and re-integrate into the national army. Peace has come at last to Burundi - and with peace, the potential to rebuild the nation on firm foundations. The project will also benefit the community as a whole by providing jobs through the school, as well as income-generating activities. On site there will be an internet cafe, a cafeteria, a tailor’s shop and conference facilities. These services will be available to the outside community. Furthermore, there is no medical centre in the area, so the infant mortality rate is shockingly high, and people have to travel several miles to receive even mediocre medical assistance. We aim to build a school catering for 1000 students all the way up from 3 to 18 years of age, and a medical centre of excellence in terms of both provision of healthcare and training. These will serve the local people and help them not just survive, but thrive. It is estimated that this will cost approx. US$2,500,000.00 Please contact Great Lakes Outreach at info@greatlakesoutreach.org for a brochure.