CARE International’s history in Burundi
CARE began working in Burundi in 1994 to support communities affected by civil unrest following the assassination of the country’s first elected president in 1993. Early efforts focused on providing emergency aid to internally displaced people and returning refugees.
We expanded our work in the same year when large numbers of refugees fleeing the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda crossed into northern Burundi. During this period, CARE supported people in refugee camps and provided humanitarian assistance both inside Burundi and across the border in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Over time, our work in Burundi evolved from emergency response to longer-term programs. We help strengthen livelihoods, improve food security, and increase opportunities for women and girls.
CARE and partners’ work in Burundi today
CARE and our partners work with communities across Burundi to address poverty, improve food security, and support opportunities for women and their families.
Our work focuses on:
Food and water
CARE supports farming households to improve food production, have better nutrition, and protect natural resources. We also help increase access to safe water and better manage water systems to ensure access continues over time.
Health
We help improve access to essential health services and information, including reproductive health and nutrition support for women and children.
Gender equality
CARE works with communities to prevent violence against women and girls and promote women’s leadership in governance and peace processes. We also help change harmful social norms and practices in both households and communities.
Making the economy work for women
CARE supports women and young people to strengthen their economic independence through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), skills development, and entrepreneurship opportunities. These initiatives help increase income, build financial resilience, and increase economic opportunities.
Working with partners and communities is key to CARE Burundi’s work. We partner with local civil society organizations and social entrepreneurs to develop and deliver programs that match communities’ specific needs.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the center of CARE’s work in Burundi.
CARE works with women and teenagers in rural communities to strengthen livelihoods, improve access to services, and increase opportunities for leadership and participation in community life.
CARE and our partners support women and girls to:
- Strengthen economic independence through savings groups and entrepreneurship
- Improve access to sexual and reproductive health services and information
- Reduce risks of violence against women and girls
- Participate in leadership, governance, and peacebuilding processes
By supporting women’s leadership and economic opportunities, CARE helps strengthen resilience for families and communities across Burundi.
For recent updates on CARE Burundi’s work, see here.
