Muyinga

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Burundi).

Muyinga is a city of about 130,000 inhabitants located in the north of Burundi at an altitude of over 1,700 metres above sea level. As in most other areas of the country, families in Muyinga are affected by a widespread lack of regular income and poverty. Many people, including children and young people who are often without parental care, cannot afford enough food and shelter. Due to Muyinga's high altitude, the nights can get incredibly cold. Combined with the frequent rainfall, this puts children in the region at particular risk of falling ill.

Since 1998, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Muyinga.

2%
Of rural households around Muyinga have electricity

No access to adequate housing

The constantly changing weather conditions in Muyinga Province are causing great hardship for the local population. Heavy rains and the resulting floods are not cause crop failures and widespread malnutrition. In addition to destroying people’s livelihoods, many homes are washed away by flooding. Many people, including children and young people, are therefore without shelter. When people do have shelter, it is often without access to clean drinking water, sanitation or electricity. In fact, only 2% of rural households around Muyinga have electricity.

80%
Of people in Burundi live in poverty

Living in poverty

To this day, Burundi remains one of the poorest countries in the world, and the Muyinga Province is no exception. Around 80% of Burundians live in extreme poverty, and in rural areas, like Muyinga, this number is estimated to be even higher. Since people largely depend on agriculture, extreme weather conditions often lead to a lack of steady income. This means that many families cannot afford to feed their children properly, let alone provide them with an education.

Your support makes a difference for children in Muyinga

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
1,360
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
540
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
220
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
140
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children playing with marbles. Siblings grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Burundi).

How your support helps in Muyinga

Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.