Support a school for 450 students in Burundi!

To achieve its objective of accommodating 450 students in 2016, Maison Shalom must be supported by outside investments. The International School receives no public funding, just the help of the parents. The Maison Shalom France and the Bridderlech Deelen Foundation of Luxembourg have designated funds for the construction of new classroom buildings.

Friends of Humanity will support the development and expansion of the school through the following activities:

• The development recreational activities: in tandem with traditional education, it is imperative that students participate in recreational and athletic activities, which encourages community dynamics. We will support the construction of a playground for elementary students, including the construction of a basketball court and a volleyball court 
• The development of new classrooms: the purchase of 135 bench desks for nine new primary classrooms in anticipation of the 2013 school year and increases in staff and students. The desks are constructed by local artisans 
• Access to technological tools: the purchase of 37 computers for a computer room for student and staff use, which will allow students to become familiar with technology in order to prepare for their futures. The computers will be used by students in grades 4 through 8 
• Books for learning and teaching: the purchase of 195 books will include books for teachers, textbooks, and reading books. Currently, books are printed and photocopied by hand at the St. Paul Library in Bujumbura, Burundi’s capital city. The new books will be imported.These actions will complete the action of other partners, who have taken charge of the construction of new classrooms.

Expected Outcomes by 2016

1. The education of 450 each year who are well-prepared for secondary education 
2. 12 classrooms built and well-equipped with furniture and learning materials 
3. A recreational space for 450 children

In addition to the education of children, the prosperity of the school will have other positive effects:

• Creating employment for at least 30 teachers and other persons 
• Stimulation of the local economy: creating demand for furniture, school supplies, office supplies, and other items from local artisans and merchants 
• Stabilization of families, who will no longer need to live separately in order to send their children to good schools 
• Stabilization of the Maison Shalom staff ,who will be motivated to work in a place where their children receive an excellent education

Long-term Impacts

1. Increased success rates in national examinations for children from rural and semi-urban areas 
2. Increased number of young people who complete primary education with an intellectual background enabling them to succeed in secondary education. Currently, the average age of a new university graduate is 30 years due to repetition. This age may go down to 25 if children are correctly trained from the beginning of their education 
3. Increase in the number of families willing to work and stay in Ruyigi.

We hope that this report will show you how your generous donations will be spent.

Thank you again for your support !!

Friends of Humanity Team

Friends of Humanity is eager to share with you the new focus of our partnership with Maison Shalom in Burundi. This year, we will be supporting the International School, which welcomes students from Maison Shalom and the surrounding community of Ruyigi. A joint venture by parents and the Maison Shalom, the International School aims to provide an excellent, affordable education for up to 450 students.  The school plays an indispensable role in a community, and country, largely devoid of adequate educational opportunities.  By providing education to the children of rural Ruyigi, the International School is building a new generation of leaders whose values and awareness of social justice will allow them to seek a better future, not only for themselves, but for the community as a whole.

Currently, the International School has one kindergarten and three first grade classes. With your help, the International School will be able to accommodate students in all primary and secondary grades. Friends of Humanity is committed to helping the school build its instructional and recreational infrastructure. This year, FOH hopes to raise enough funds to build desks in nine additional classrooms, purchase sufficient books for all students, outfit upper-level classrooms with computers, and construct a basketball and volleyball court.  

Links:

• Learn more about the International School
• Learn more about Maison Shalom