Almost 80% of Burundi's population lives below the poverty line. Ranked as the second most impoverished country in the world, Burundians face multiple hardships every day. The lack of economic freedom, access to education, poor health care services and the absence of social services mean children are suffering. This is one of the most challenging environments in which Home-Start has ever operated.   

Home-Start Giriwanyu (Burundi) is a newly formed Home-Start organisation and an associate member of the Home-Start Worldwide Network. Based in Bujumburu it will be supporting parents of young children through a number of activities including a volunteer home visiting service based on Home-Start principles and group activities. Home-Start is being introduced into Burundi by Leana Gjertsen who comes from Burundi and has experience of being a HS volunteer in Norway where she now lives with her family. Leana is convinced that this preventive service can make a positive impact on the problems facing Burundian families with young children.    

Home-Start Giriwanyu (Burundi) is dedicated to supporting families with young children to ensure their children have a safe family environment where they can grow and reach their full potential and where child rights are respected, protected and fulfilled. Home-Start Giriwanyu (Burundi) will be operating 2 schemes– one in Bujumburu, the capital, and surrounding rural area and one in the province of Cibitoke. Premises have been secured in both locations and one is already running a day care programme for young children from the street. A local coordinator has recently been professionally trained by Home-Start South Africa and will manage the Home–Start schemes. Potential volunteers have been identified. Fundraising and income generation activities are being explored and developed