Access to education is an essential human right, and it is in the interest of communities and societies that all children should receive quality and safe education. The cost of failing children in this regard is not only an issue for children’s rights and a personal loss for the child’s development and later opportunities, but it is also a loss for societies that then suffer from lower productivity, higher welfare dependency on an individual, greater social inequality, and intergenerational transmission of vulnerability.

Inclusive education is therefore a prerequisite for inclusive societies while inclusive societies and non-discrimination are also at the core of the Sustainable Development Agenda. Meeting SDG 4, and goals related to equitable access and achievement, are therefore not only critical to broader social progress but should be prioritized as part of this global consensus.

Tabitha Community in Action (TCA) has been engaging Burundian communities, artists, and young people to act for inclusive education for all children:

• Annual Fundraising events were held and hundreds of people including artists, and NGOs participated in the events.
• 2100 + Children (1500 girls and 600 boys located in 4 provinces of Burundi.) reintegrated school in 4 years and are being supported by their families.
• 200+ malnourished children (120 girls and 80 boys) receive daily feeding to enable them to increase their school attendance.
• Over 180+ children (110 females and 70 males) benefit from Counseling sessions.
• 23+ children got godmothers and godfathers.
• 80+ children follow up on English courses at our center while the other 250 are trained during the Summer at peace games.
• Inspired by this initiative, other 8 similar campaigns were initiated by other youth-led organizations. Over 3000 Orphans and Vulnerable Children were reached by the 8 initiatives with our technical support and accompaniment.
• 100+ children have been benefiting healthcare…

Today, the world has attained 1.8 billion young people, and close to 90% of these youth live in developing countries where they constitute a high proportion of the population. In Africa, the population of youth is projected to reach 830 million by 2050. As the global youth population continues to grow, youth empowerment has become an important cross-cutting issue for the achievement of all the Sustainable Development Goals.

TCA, for a better society,

            a better country,

           a better world.

Young people are the backbone of society. Their participation in all aspects of society is very important. Unfortunately, we see many Burundian youth being deprived of this. Therefore, empowering, strengthening, and including young people in the decision-making and creating opportunities will reduce unemployment, crime, drug abuse, and poverty.

Building the bridge between Burundian young people and a world of opportunities is ensuring a peaceful and developing country where everyone rejoices in their rights and participates in the achievement of the SDGs.  

When youth are empowered, they feel confident and capable. They become active contributors and collaborators, excited to explore their impact on the world around them. This will lead to a better society, a better country, and a better world.

The poorest households in rural areas of Burundi are significantly excluded from financial services. Gender inequalities in these areas mean that women are the most excluded, most vulnerable, and cannot have access even to the most basic financial services such as savings accounts or small loans. Without access to education, training, or the ability to save money, women can’t lift themselves out of poverty. Repetitive episodes of wars in Burundi have affected women and girls and still, like other Burundians, they live with untreated trauma and emotional disturbances.

The poorest households in rural areas of Burundi are significantly excluded from financial services. Gender inequalities in these areas mean that women are the most excluded, most vulnerable, and cannot have access even to the most basic financial services such as savings accounts or small loans. Without access to education, training, or the ability to save money, women can’t lift themselves out of poverty. Repetitive episodes of wars in Burundi have affected women and girls and still, like other Burundians, they live with untreated trauma and emotional disturbances.