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Report from Burundi April 2007

At the end of April 2007 Helen Stawski briefly visited Burundi to observe the progress of the provincial education work as the church plays its role as a significant provider of education in post conflict Burundi. The government of Burundi recognises the Church as a partner that has been running many schools, with little or no resources, since the introduction of free education. The challenge to rehabilitate broken and old buildings for schooling and to provide scholastic and teaching materials is great, however the church continues to reach out to all groups in local communites, regardless of ethnic or religious identity. Each church school is far more than just a place for academic learning as through its links to the wider, holistic work of the church, it becomes a forum to mobilise and foster awareness amongst children and families. Especially for important issues such as HIV and AIDS, peacebuilding and most urgently for Burundi at this point in climate change, the church school network can play a crucial role. Mobilising school children to plant trees is just one strategy the church is considering to affect positive change within communities as part of witnessing to the love of Christ. Please pray for the church at this time of change and growth.