Empowering Change. The Impact of Peace Clubs created in Kirundo Province

In the heart of Kirundo province, a transformative initiative is taking root—peace clubs established by Restoration Burundi. Launched in 2021, these clubs serve as vital support systems for returning students from refugee camps, fostering resilience and community integration. By instilling values of peaceful conflict resolution and servant leadership, these clubs empower students to become agents of change in their communities. The impact has been profound, inspiring not only personal growth but also a ripple effect of compassion and service throughout the region. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of these peace clubs and their far-reaching influence.

Since 2021, Restoration Burundi has established peace clubs in Kirundo province, specifically in the Bugabira and Busoni communes, both of which border Rwanda, to help reintegrate returning students. During this time, the area saw a significant influx of people returning from refugee camps in neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda. The peace clubs were set up in six schools with high numbers of returnee students. These clubs aim to plant the seeds of peace within the community and create a conducive learning environment. They motivate and inspire students to recognize the difference they can make in building a better Burundi. Topics covered include trauma healing, servant leadership, peaceful conflict resolution, environmental protection, and similar subjects. The impact of the peace clubs has exceeded expectations.

Restoration places significant emphasis on the school environment, but the effects go beyond the school.

At Busoni High School, a mediation team of 2 boys and 2 girls was established to resolve conflicts at the ground level and prevent escalation to the school administration. Students can choose to report disputes to either the mediators or the administration. This initiative aims to address conflicts before they lead to severe punishments, such as expulsion.

While students retain the right to decide where to file complaints, none have opted to bring their grievances to the school administration.

Due to the expertise these mediators demonstrate in resolving student disputes, all students prefer to turn to them rather than taking their conflicts to the school administration.

According to Donat, the Headmaster of Busoni High School, “no case of conflict has reached the school administration so far. All are often solved by those mediators."

After seeing how skillful these learners have become after these teachings, Donat has a suggestion: “These teachings ought not to be limited to students, but also, school authorities should benefit from them as they guide them while making decisions.”

Photo 1. Donat, Headmaster of Busoni High School (School year 2022-2023) Photo2. Ezeckiel Teaching Director Bugabira High School

The Bugabira High School Administration states that the peace club's impact extends beyond instilling positive values to also enhancing learners' resilience.

As the Director of Teaching says, the school year 2021-2022 started with 351 students and ended after 39 students had dropped out of school. However, the club had 60 students, and among them, no dropout was seen.

“When you see no dropouts among 60 members of the club, you can understand that those students have received special teaching,” said Ezeckiel, the Director of Teachings at Bugabira High School.

Healing psychological wounds, a topic discussed in the club, has been beneficial for Beatrice, an 18-year-old student at Bugabira High School. Beatrice's mother passed away in 2015 when Beatrice was very young, which changed their living conditions and led to her elder sisters leaving school. Beatrice became extremely angry, opting to communicate only with other orphans. Additionally, when she had conflicts with her friends, she immediately decided to end the friendships.

"When my friend had conflicts, she would tell me, and we'd confront or insult others. But I've changed her." Beatrice, a club member

After attending the peace club, she healed completely and helped a friend at another school without a peace club who behaved like Beatrice.

"When my friend had conflicts, she would tell me, and we'd confront or insult others. But I've changed her." She said.

The impact of the peace clubs go beyond schools to the community.

Denis Munezero, 17, is a student at Marembo High School in Busoni Commune. He joined the school's peace club, where he was particularly inspired by themes of community service and peaceful conflict resolution. Motivated by these lessons, Denis decided to assist a nearby needy family. This family consists of Gaudence Nsaguye, over ninety years old, and her son Etienne, 55, living in a small, dilapidated hut.

Of Gaudence’s 11 children, only four survived the 1993 conflict in Burundi. Three of the survivors left in search of better lives, and Gaudence doesn't know their whereabouts. She stayed with Etienne, who has been physically disabled since age five and was briefly married. They found a place to build a house, but due to Etienne's limitations, he constructed a straw hut with a leaky roof that offers little shelter during rain.

‘We are alive thanks to him (Denis). He is the one to care for us. “Even if I die today or tomorrow, I pray for him, that God blesses him abundantly and turns him into a powerful man.’’ Gaudence said as she stood with her son Etienne in front of their hut.

Inspired by the peace club, Denis decided to help a needy family by providing food and assisting with water collection, despite his family's limited means. However, he cannot provide food daily, so the family occasionally goes without eating.

‘We are alive thanks to him (Denis). He is the one to care for us. “Even if I die today or tomorrow, I pray for him, that God blesses him abundantly and turns him into a powerful man.’’ Gaudence said.

Denis shared how he used to offer guidance when he encountered them in disagreements. “When I saw Etienne speaking disrespectfully to his mother, I reminded him that she is aging and requires his support. I advised him to respect and honor her, regardless of life's difficulties. Thankfully, he took my advice, and now they live harmoniously. The only remaining issue is their living conditions,” Denis explained.

In the same club is a 20-year-old schoolboy named Claude, who is also recognized in his community as a 'conflicts solver'.

Ahishakiye, Claude's mother, mentioned that the lessons he learned in the peace club were beneficial, especially for her family. "I believe these teachings were useful to my family as he was able to assist my husband in overcoming alcohol addiction through his nonviolent approach." Claude's mother stated. She noted that Claude was adept at providing his father with advice to overcome his alcohol addiction.

“There were individuals arguing about family matters... they eventually expressed their gratitude to him, saying ‘well done’... amazed to witness such a talented young boy offering them guidance”.Ahishakiye, the mother of Claude

She mentioned that even their community has benefited from those teachings, as Claude frequently resolves conflicts around him. This is just one of the many disputes he has settled.

“There were individuals arguing about family matters... they eventually expressed their gratitude to him, saying ‘well done’... amazed to witness such a talented young boy offering them guidance,” added Claude's mother.

The establishment of peace clubs in Kirundo province by Restoration Burundi has significantly impacted both students and the broader community. These clubs foster essential skills in conflict resolution, leadership, and resilience, leading to a notable decrease in school dropouts among participants. Students like Beatrice and Denis exemplify how the teachings extend beyond personal growth, inspiring acts of compassion and community service. The positive changes observed in school environments and family dynamics highlight the transformative power of peace education. Overall, the initiative not only cultivates a culture of peace within schools but also contributes to the healing and development of the community at large.