Keeping a Family Together in Burundi

Like far too many babies in rural Burundi, Philippe had a tragic start to life. His mother died giving birth to him, leaving his father, Olivier, alone to fend for his family of four children. 

Before long, Philippe’s family fell into a deep crisis. Olivier sent his two eldest sons to live with his brother, and, unable to feed newborn Philippe, Olivier had no choice but to relinquish him to the care of the local orphanage. Olivier knew his son would be fed and cared for there.

Philippe spent six years at the orphanage before being returned to Olivier — at six, a child becomes too old for the orphanage to care for and educate. Meanwhile, Olivier was still living in profound poverty. He had remarried and had another few mouths to feed, but his family lacked everything — food, clothes, shoes, adequate housing, and opportunity. They were struggling to survive.

Help arrived just in time for this family when they became the first enrollees in our Family Preservation program in Burundi. We were able to keep this family together, stabilizing them with monthly food rations, a small stipend, clothing, and shoes. We also provided school supplies so the children could resume their education. When we learned that Olivier was a skilled tailor, we gave him a small business grant to buy a sewing machine and all the necessary materials to start his own business.

One short year later Olivier was a successful businessman. He was proudly dressing his whole family in his beautiful designs, the family was well-nourished and healthy, and all the children were still in school.

The family’s growing income has now enabled them to buy a plot of land — there, they will grow produce for the family’s consumption and sell any excess for profit.

As Olivier says: “Before getting the sewing machine, I used to think about my life and future, and I didn’t have any answers. Now everything is clear.”

By keeping a family like Philippe’s together and helping his father use his skills to build a reliable and sustainable source of income, this family will break the cycle of poverty. Olivier won’t have to relinquish any more children to the orphanage. And in Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the world, that’s no small feat!