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Burundi - Street Children: a big challenge to the Church
Street children are seen almost everywhere in countries at war or that have undergone civil strife. Burundi is one of those countries whose youth are unfortunately wasting their tender age in streets – lacking education and good morals.
Even before the civil war came to world-wide public attention in 1993, there were some street children in the capital city, Bujumbura. But now they are counted in thousands and unfortunately the number goes on increasing. So, what to do? This is a big question asked by and of the Church. The following case may help you understand the phenomenon and act where you are.
In Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi, the Anglican Church has launched a programme called "Children and families in hardship". The programme started with giving breakfast to children who were wandering and begging around Sainte Trinite Cathedral. After the meal, the Word of God was taught to the children. Little by little, the numbers increased and became too big to manage. Also, the children’s interest in the Bible teaching session decreased.
After a deep analysis, it was discovered that not only were many of the children already under the charge of other children’s associations, but also a few of them came from their own home for the “free breakfast”. The children knew that at a certain day and hour, they could go to the cathedral for a breakfast.
What to do to help those who are really in need? Now, Esperance, a lady in charge of the programme in the Diocese of Bujumbura, together with the parish priest and faithful men and women, has identified a manageable group of 30 street children from 19 families. From the contact with children in the street, the Church reached their parents/relatives with whom they are living. Some of the parents used to be street children themselves and are sending their children on to the streets as a source of income. Other children are sent out when they don’t have classes, either in the mornings or in the afternoon, so that their families can make ends meet. For all these children, urgent action is really needed so that they don’t leave school and become street children.
A programme has now been arranged so that, in September 2003, the identified parents and relatives will work together on incomegenerating projects. This will help them pay for food and school fees for their children. It is also a way of reaching parents and relatives for counselling by the Diocesan programme and to encourage them to work together and support one another.
There is still room for improvement. We praise God for the programme and request prayers for those children to grow up and become good Christian parents.
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