Transforming lives through literacy and savings: a mid-year update from Burundi

Burundi in East-Central Africa continues to face immense political, social, and economic challenges. Over the past six months, conditions have worsened in many regions as conflict in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has forced Congolese refugees into Burundi, straining already fragile resources. Tensions with Rwanda have also intensified, and the borders remain closed.

Economically, inflation has surged driven by monetary instability, food shortages, and a dual exchange rate system. A persistent fuel crisis is disrupting transport and logistics, affecting daily life across all sectors. Many households now face unbearable living costs, with growing rates of malnutrition, unemployment, and extreme poverty.

Amid this crisis, Mothers’ Union’s Literacy and Economic Financial Education Programme continues to bring transformation and resilience at the community level. The core objective of the programme is to empower vulnerable women and men through functional literacy and numeracy skills, community savings and credit groups, business skills and mentoring, and agri-business training, with the addition of parenting education where applicable. Due to the programme’s community-led structure, local facilitators have managed to keep the programme running, even when national trainers couldn’t travel due to fuel shortages.

One powerful example of the programme’s impact comes from Rosalie, a widowed participant from Mwakiro Parish in Kabingo Circle.

“Before I joined the programme, I was poor and couldn’t read or write. I could not afford to buy things to satisfy my family’s needs. Everything changed when I heard about the Literacy and Savings Programme from my neighbour. I was very interested and decided to join.”

After a year, Rosalie passed her literacy test and was officially accredited. That opened the door to further opportunities as she joined a savings group and received her first loan.

“I used that loan to start a business selling tomatoes and bananas. After five months, I changed the business to trading finger millet (type of cereal) grains. From this business, my life changed positively: I bought a piece of land measuring 50 by 90 metres, something I never thought possible.”

Her progress didn’t stop there. Rosalie built a new house on her land, and now provides for her family’s needs. The parenting sessions in the programme have also helped her to become more confident in raising and educating her children.

“I praise the Lord for the transformation that Mothers’ Union is doing for us. I am so thankful for the opportunity I have been given. This programme was an answer to many of the struggles I faced.” 

Despite the challenging context, the programme has achieved significant milestones in the first half of 2025, with 210 literacy facilitators trained, forming over 200 groups with almost 5,000 participants. 180 savings groups were established with over 4,500 participants, and 210 parenting groups were formed, helping almost 5,000 participants. Communities across 10 dioceses are now actively engaged in literacy, savings and parenting activities.

Whilst the programmes continues to grow, it faces ongoing challenges with local facilitators stepping up with support from steering committees to address fuel shortages, migration pressures and limited food access. Despite the fragile national context and logistics, the programme remains on track towards empowering more individuals and communities. Stories of participants like Rosalie highlight not only personal transformation, but also the strength of community-led change.

By equipping individuals in vulnerable circumstances, especially women, with tools for literacy, savings, business and parenting, Mothers’ Union continues to work to build resilience, restore dignity and offer hope for a better future.

Show your support with this and other programmes led by Mothers’ Union members around the world by donating today.