Restoration Burundi and MCC Assess the Impact of Peace Clubs in Busoni Commune

Members of the delegation sit with pupils on the desks newly donated at Ecofo (basic school) Rugarama

On January 20, 2026, Restoration Burundi, in collaboration with the Representation of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in Burundi and Rwanda, conducted a field visit in Busoni Commune to assess the impact of the Peace Clubs established in various schools through their partnership. The visit provided an opportunity to observe changes brought about by the clubs, interact with students and school authorities, and evaluate additional needs affecting the learning environment.

The field mission began at ECOFO Rugarama, where Restoration Burundi and MCC donated 25 school desks to improve learning conditions. The donation was warmly welcomed by school authorities and local administration, who emphasized the school’s severe shortage of equipment.

The Director of ECOFO Rugarama highlighted the magnitude of the challenges faced by the school and expressed her gratitude:

“Our school has 1,304 pupils who currently share only 174 desks, including those you have just provided. We are forced to divide students into AM and PM shifts. Imagine that, for some classes, students go back home early to allow an intermediary group to attend, which also leaves early to make room for the PM group. The nursery section alone has 150 children, yet they do not have a single desk and are forced to sit on the floor. Look at this teachers’ room, 25 teachers gather here with no chairs. We thank you very much for this donation, and if you can find more support, please consider this matter.”

The Chief of Gisenyi Zone echoed these concerns, noting that many schools in the area face similar shortages of basic educational equipment.

“For instance, we have the Kibonde Technical School, which is seriously lacking computers,” said Celestin, the Zone Chief.

At Ecofo Rugarama, the delegation exchange with Administration

Jimmy Hummer, the MCC Representative for Burundi and Rwanda, reaffirmed MCC’s commitment to continued collaboration and support aimed at improving learning conditions, congratulating Restoration Burundi and the local administration for their cooperation in advancing education.

“From MCC’s perspective, education remains a priority, as it is a key driver of many positive outcomes for community development. We are therefore very excited to be working closely with our amazing partner, Restobu, in advancing this important work. It’s so important to see you working in education, building school communities. It's key to our future together. We look forward to continuing to work together.”

Witnessing Transformation at Busoni High School

At Busoni high school, the delegation takes photos with peace club members surrounded by fruit trees these students planted as part of protection of environment.

The delegation later visited Busoni High School, where members of the Peace Club demonstrated remarkable academic and social progress. School leadership shared encouraging observations regarding the performance and behavior of students involved in the club.

The Headmaster of Busoni High School explained:

“Apart from one classroom, in all other classes, students who rank first in their classes, those with the highest academic results are mainly members of the Peace Club.”

This observation highlights that Peace Clubs are not only shaping students’ values and behavior but are also contributing positively to academic excellence, particularly by boosting resilience in an area with a high number of school dropouts due to various challenges, poverty being the main one.

Students testified that the skills and values learned through the clubs have transformed their attitudes, improved discipline, and strengthened relationships within the school. The impact extends beyond the school compound, positively influencing families and surrounding communities. Many testimonies were shared.

“I saved the life of my neighboring woman,” one student shared. “A conflict erupted one day in my neighboring family between the husband and his wife over their land. The husband became extremely angry, to the point that he planned to kill his wife. When I heard this, I told myself I could not remain silent with all the teachings I had received in the Peace Club. I went to him and asked, ‘Mr. Andrew, what are you planning? Truly, killing your wife?’ He looked down at me and said, ‘How can you interfere in family issues at your young age?’ I answered him not to focus on my age but on the seriousness of what I was saying. He finally admitted it and said, ‘It is impossible for a man to be despised by his wife to this point. I am going to solve it, one of us will stay alive.’

It took me time to calm his anger, showing him what would happen to him and his family if he killed his wife. I suggested that he seek justice, since he insisted that he was a victim of injustice. He finally accepted and has now filed a complaint to local mediators. Although the conflict is not yet fully resolved, the path of justice has prevailed, and the woman escaped death, which had already been planned. I thank Restobu which equipped me with these skills and courage because before, I could not intervene in appeasing conflicts.”

Since 2021, Restoration Burundi, in partnership with MCC, has been created Peace Clubs in this border area with Rwanda, a region that has experienced the return of many families from refugee camps in neighboring countries. These clubs were initially created to support the reintegration of returning students and to strengthen social cohesion within schools and communities.

Over time, the Peace Clubs have grown beyond reintegration efforts. They now serve as platforms for nurturing biblical, moral, and civic values among young people, helping to address the crisis of values that often contributes to recurring conflicts in Burundi.

The Peace Club curriculum includes topics such as: Peaceful conflict resolution, Nonviolence, Mutual respect and tolerance, Servant Leadership and responsibility, Environmental protection and many more

During the visit, Gratien Nibigira, Head of Restoration Burundi, emphasized the long-term vision behind investing in youth:

Jimmy Hummer (MCC Rep) and Gratien Nibigira (Director of Restobu) stand in front of an avocado tree planted by the Peace club members

“If you are 20 years old today, in 20 years you will be 40. These youths will be tomorrow’s leaders and must be equipped with these values at an early age. Burundi has gone through recurring violence and conflicts, mainly due to a crisis of values. This is why we want to raise a transformed generation that embodies hope and peace.” Said Gratien.

One of the most visible outcomes of the Peace Clubs is students’ active engagement in community-oriented initiatives. As part of discussions on environmental stewardship, Peace Club members have planted fruit trees within school compounds. These activities not only contribute to environmental protection but also teach responsibility, teamwork, and sustainability.

The visit concluded with a family photo around these fruit trees, symbolizing growth, hope, and the lasting impact of investing in young peace builders.