ABOUT Burundi
Burundi is located in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa, bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The total land area is 27 834 km2; the population is estimated at 7 548 000, with one of the highest densities of the African continent at 271 inhabitants per km2. The country is divided into 17 provinces and 117 communes and the capital is Bujumbura.
In the last century Burundi has lived short and far apart periods of peace. The country is emerging now from a 12-year (ethnic-based) civil war, whose heavy toll still affects the lives of men, women, children, families and communities throughout the country and particularly in the northern and more rural areas.
Hundreds of thousands of Burundians were internally displaced or became refugees in neighbouring countries to escape violence, genocides and destruction. Many children were recruited as soldiers by armed groups, many young girls were raped, civilians were victim of unconceivable violence (including abduction, maiming and torture). A whole generation grew in a state of uncertainty, insecurity and poverty with no access to the very basic services such as health and education.
Conflicts have destroyed communities and social networks, undermining possible livelihood and employment opportunities.
Burundi is now getting back on its feet, still facing several challenges which could mine the ongoing peace and democratization process.
Among these, the most pressing issues that need to be addressed and supported are:
- Literacy and Education for all, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender or ethnicity (give figures)
- Health for All (figures)
- Freedom of Speech and free circulation of information (figures)
- Social and Civil Participation
As youth look towards peace, recovery and resettlement, the majority face the challenge of securing a livelihood with little or no formal education or training. ASASS-Burundi starts from here.