World Relief Burundi: Refugee Resettlement; Microfinance

Monday & Tuesday, March 9 and 10 - Bujumbura & Nyanza Lac

When World Relief began work in Burundi in 2004, more than 1 million Burundians had been displaced by the violent conflict. World Relief, in partnership with the US Bureau of Population and Refugee Migration, Tearfund Belgium and Habitat for Humanity, is the only non-government organization rebuilding homes in Nyanza Lac—one of the most affected towns. More than 1,750 new homes have been built—offering safe and secure shelter to 8,800 people. Rebuilding is a community activity, with local leaders, church leaders and community representatives working together to ensure the most vulnerable received homes first.

Here is an example of a house built and a lucky family shown within the newly constructed walls of their new home.

There are, however, thousands of families that have returned to Burundi after living in camps in Tanzania for over 20 years who are still waiting to be granted land and supplies to build. These families, some with 8 to 10 people living in one tent, are struggling with land ownership issues, lack of food security, and a host other difficulties that prevent them from living the life that God intended. Please pray for these two brothers and their families:

World Relief and local church are providing returning families with the opportunity to provide for themselves. More than 600 families were enrolled in a goat-raising program. As additional goats are born, their offspring will pass to other families. The goats will provide milk for families with malnourished children. Another 3,000 families received seeds and tools to build agricultural plots.

Turame, WR's award winning microfinance institution, began offering small loans in 2004 in response to the great economic needs of Burundi’s people. In its first year, Turame offered loans to more than 500 clients. In 2007, Turame is serving over 7,700 active clients. Pictured here is a community bank called: "Izodufasha" which means "God will help us," located in Gatumba.
They greeted us with lively welcome songs and spoke of the ways that economic empowerment changed their lives and community. One group member, Maria, was able to purchase a plot of land and plant trees and gardens plus small shelters to rent for recreation and family events. The community bank all proudly accompanied me here to show group support!
MISSION:
The mission of Turame is to deliver financial and non-financial related services to productive Burundians, especially poor and women, which will enable their development of sustainable micro enterprises &
increase their ability and discipline to save.

GOALS:
To develop Turame into a professional & sustainable financial institution that will allow Burundians, especially the productive poor, to achieve self-reliance by providing them with access to capital and related non-financial services.