Spending time in Burundi is an eye-opening experience. It creates a story worth telling. As Westerners, we could probably stand to understand more reality of the world around us. The level of poverty is stunning.
presented by Michael Kuyt, Rochester, NY
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The infrastructure in Burundi is incredibly poor. These men, and many others like them, are the UPS and Amazon drivers of Burundi. They earn small amounts of money pushing freight by hand, often for long distances
The economy is largely agricultural. Farming is all done by hand. During my entire time there, I never saw a tractor or farm machine. A handheld hoe is all they typically have.
Children often help with the family's work. The eyes of the girl below tell a story.
Almost all houses are made out of hand made bricks. The soil contains a lot of clay. Clay is mixed with water and packed by hand into a wooden form. They are put out in the sun to dry. The bricks are then removed from the molds and stacked over a fire pit and covered with palm leaves. They are baked for 48 hours, allowed to cool and then are ready for construction. The quality is poor and over time they sag and crumble.
There are many small businesses in the cities and villages. Like these, they are mostly in little sheds, sometimes no bigger than a closet. One business that you don't see open and functioning are gas stations. Due to the unstable currency, corruption and violence, no distributor will sell gasoline into Burundi. There are many motorcycles and a few cars and trucks, but the fuel needs to be brought over the border from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There is a war going on there, so that is difficult as well. Fuel can also be purchased a gallon at a time on the black market for a hefty price.
The children of Burundi are the most devastated in the population and are most at risk. They are precious. They are made in God's image. Please consider helping.
The difference you can make in a child's life for a small price is very real and can be profound. It uplifts my spirit and feeds my soul to be a small part of these programs. I encourage you to do the same. The benefits to them, and to you are great. Mike Kuyt.