The effects of civil war, AIDS and poverty have left many female headed households with no means to generate an income in Burundi. Villages of Life is working in a rural community to increase community capacity to provide for the needs of widows and orphans.
The multi-part project involves:
- Housing – a sturdy foundation with durable building materials will withstand the intensity of fierce and frequent storms in place of traditional mud huts.
- Education and empowerment – children will attend the newly constructed neighbourhood school whilst young adults can partake in TAFE woodwork, metalwork and sewing classes.
- Fish farm and agriculture – a diversity of food sources keep the community fed through self-sufficient production.
Key Areas of Investment
- Construction costs – Housing, school classrooms, bathroom block, community garden beds
- School materials
- Water tanks and pumps
- Fish-farm and hydroponic vegetable garden setup costs
- Vocational training classes
- Land purchases for expansion