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Education and Youth Opportunity

Every child deserves a strong start, and a reason to keep going.

For many children in rural Mpanda-Bubanza, early learning has never been an option. Distance, household costs and the absence of preschools mean thousands start primary school with no structured learning at all. Later, bright girls leave secondary school because fees, early marriage or family pressure close the door.

Learn

Education and Youth Opportunity

Every child deserves a strong start, and a reason to keep going.

For many children in rural Mpanda-Bubanza, early learning has never been an option. Distance, household costs and the absence of preschools mean thousands start primary school with no structured learning at all. Later, bright girls leave secondary school because fees, early marriage or family pressure close the door.

Butanuka Community Academy

Our community school offers preschool and primary education, grounded in play, creativity, problem-solving and teamwork, with a nutritious snack every day.

In September 2025, enrollment had outgrown the space. Rather than make children wait, we opened four new classrooms before the building was finished. Grades 1 to 4 moved in with their teachers, and 280 children now learn in a safe, structured environment.

Home-based early learning

Some children live too far from any preschool. So in 2025 we opened our first home-based early learning shelter in Tura village, run with the community. It welcomes 56 children every day, 28 in the morning and 28 in the afternoon. For almost all of them, it’s their first experience of structured learning, play and routine. Our goal is 200 community-run sites by 2030, bringing early learning to around 5,000 children close to home.

Home-based early learning

Some children live too far from any preschool. So in 2025 we opened our first home-based early learning shelter in Tura village, run with the community. It welcomes 56 children every day, 28 in the morning and 28 in the afternoon. For almost all of them, it’s their first experience of structured learning, play and routine. Our goal is 200 community-run sites by 2030, bringing early learning to around 5,000 children close to home.

Girls Rising for Change scholarships

The Girls Rising for Change programme walks alongside girls through secondary school and university, with school fees, mentorship and leadership support. More than 70 girls have taken part so far, and two are now at university.

Teachers who inspire

We train our teachers in creative, learner-centred methods, with mentorship from retired educators at Appalachian State University. By 2030, we aim to extend this training to 5,000 teachers, including those in public schools.

The American Shelf: English and digital learning

Supported by the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura, the American Shelf is a community learning hub with books, computers and English programmes. Between September and December 2025 it welcomed 270 learners, including 186 students from nearby public schools and 84 preschool children.

The American Shelf: English and digital learning

Supported by the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura, the American Shelf is a community learning hub with books, computers and English programmes. Between September and December 2025 it welcomed 270 learners, including 186 students from nearby public schools and 84 preschool children.