“I Wanted to Read the Bible—But I Couldn't”: How Literacy Changed Violette’s Life

Violette stands in front of the Youth Choir as they prepare songs

At just 20 years old, Violette carries a story that echoes the struggles of many forgotten lives. Appointed leader of the youth choir in her church thanks to her devotion and behavior, Violette faced a deeply painful secret—she couldn’t read or write.

“I took the Bible to know what God tells me,” she recalled. “But I wasn’t able. If anyone texted me, I had to look for someone else to read and reply for me.”

Born in Kirundo province, Violette was left behind after her parents divorced as she was too young and each went their separate way. Her mother vanished into Burundi's Bujumbura capital  and  stayed with her father who finally crossed into Tanzania with two children leaving Violette. “I don’t remember the face of my mother. I don’t have their whereabouts. I don’t know whether either my mother or father is alive or dead.” she quietly told the Restobu team when they first met her.

Homeless and parentless, Violette drifted from one relative to another before settling with an elderly woman who, despite her poverty, gave her shelter. School was a distant dream. Together, the two struggled to survive, living day by day, meal by meal.

Still, life offered a glimmer of light when Violette gave her life to Jesus Christ at a local FECABU church. There she found a new family in faith and slowly began healing the wounds left by abandonment and hardship. Her commitment didn’t go unnoticed—her behavior and discipline led the church to appoint her as youth choir leader. But instead of pride, Violette felt shame.

“Being a choir leader but unable to read made me feel empty,” she said. “How could I lead others in worship when I couldn’t even read the scriptures or respond to a simple message?”

That is when Restobu entered the picture.

Learners sit after passing a reading & writing evaluation. Photo credit. Restobu, June 19.2025

Through its adult literacy program—part of its broader socio-economic initiative—Restobu began offering reading and writing classes in Bugabira commune, where illiteracy is still prevalent due to poverty, ignorance, and misunderstanding among families. Violette enrolled, driven by the desire to not only serve God more fully but to change her life.

The results were transformational.

“I can now experience the joy found in God. I stand in front of the church to preach, teach, and write songs,” she beams. “It has led to my spiritual growth. I’m no longer at the same level of knowledge. I’m proud. I don’t have anything else to give but to say—God bless you for what you did for us.”

In this area, Restobu is also running 10 development groupings with 25-30 members each. They work together to improve their living conditions

For Violette and many others, literacy is more than recognizing letters—it’s the foundation of dignity, confidence, and transformation. In her community, Restobu is actively running 10 development groupings, each bringing together 25 to 30 members. These groups meet once a week to discuss common projects, save money, and access loans. Members are also trained to write project proposals, and the most competitive ones receive funding to kick-start their ideas. Restobu strongly promotes literacy not only as a tool for spiritual growth but also as a doorway to economic opportunity and self-reliance.

The chief of development grouping inspects the project funded by Restobu

Today, Violette is a symbol of hope. She is not just reading words on a page; she is reading the signs of a better future.

Restobu continues its mission to fight illiteracy—not just as an educational challenge, but as a spiritual and economic injustice. By expanding literacy programs across provinces, Restoration Burundi is not only teaching people to read and write—it is restoring destinies, rewriting stories, and giving voice to the silent.

View the video of her testimony here https://youtu.be/ADvj2w57iaY?si=F_TtHw8UR0bzts4p