The Batwa Project
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 sends over 500 Batwa children in Mutaho commune, Gitega Province to Primary and Secondary school. This is giving hope to the whole community.
There is now a church run by Batwa in the area.
Children queuing for their school supplies - September 2015
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 very good when starting at age 7.
In September, at the beginning of the new school year, FECABu have organised a distribution of school supplies. Here is Joseph giving out text books to a Primary Age child.
Secondary student trying on his uniform.
Secondary schools in Burundi require fees. These are currently being paid by the profit from the land which Creative Solutions has bought for the benefit of the Batwa in Mutaho.
Over 600 children from the Mutaho Batwa community have received uniforms, 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.
Watch two videos of sponsored Batwa students:
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Creative Solutions is a charity registered in England and Wales.
Charity number 1062527.
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