Burundi
Creating Hope for Burundi Women
Burundi has the lowest per capita GDP in the world and is considered one of the ten poorest nations, ranking 185th out of 189 countries in the 2019 Human Development Index. Civil wars, economic instability, damaged infrastructure, and poor education have taken their toll, and more than 65 percent of the population lives in poverty.
Rock Church missionaries are beginning a program in Burundi to show the love of Jesus by creating sustainable employment opportunities for women. By providing start-up capital and expertise, the Rock will be putting the mechanisms in place for small businesses to grow and flourish.
Lameck Nyabenda (left) in Burundi
Lameck Nyabenda is leading the Rock’s outreach in Burundi. A native, he has experienced the hardships of this country first hand. Tribal conflict forced him and his family to flee to the nearby country of Tanzania, where they lived as refugees for nearly 10 years. In 2010, they were granted asylum in the United States where Lameck became a U.S. citizen while earning a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University.
Living in San Diego, CA, Lameck has partnered with women entrepreneurs in Burundi, selling their homemade baskets in various craft stores and fairs. He returned to Burundi 2018 and 2020 and saw the need and opportunity to help more directly. In 2021, he will be returning to Burundi to begin businesses that will employ and train women.
There are many opportunities in Burundi, but would-be entrepreneurs lack the funding and skill-set to take advantage of basic market opportunities. The Rock is helping to fill that gap. Your support empowers Burundi women to create sustainable jobs and businesses, and experience the love of Christ through practical, life-giving hope.
