The Batwa are the original forest people of Burundi (formerly called ‘pygmies’) who make up 1% of the population. They have benefitted least from the development associated with education, medical care and modern agricultural methods. They have consequently become marginalized and are impoverished. With cheap plastic imports their traditional skills in pottery are no longer capable in providing enough income so they need to find alternative employment.
Working with local pastors and in consultation with the Batwa families themselves, the project provides over 500 Batwa children in Mutaho commune, Gitega Province with school supplies and helps others with Secondary school fees. This is giving hope to the whole community. There are now churches with Batwa pastors in the area.
School attendance has been very poor amongst the Batwa because the do not have cash to buy school uniforms, stationary and text books. Creative Solutions has been funding this for several years now and school attendance amongst the Mutaho Batwa is now much improved.
Watch two videos of sponsored Batwa students doing amazingly well speaking in English:
Over 600 children from the Mutaho Batwa community have received exercise and text books and writing equipment without which they cannot attend free government education. This is very important for the next generation of this marginalised people group to be able to take their place in Burundi society.
These children need prayer as there is a high drop out rate in the older classes.