The effects of civil war, AIDS and poverty have left many female headed households with no means to generate an income in Burundi. Villages of Life is working in a rural community to increase community capacity to provide for the needs of widows and orphans.

The multi-part project involves:

• Housing – a sturdy foundation with durable building materials will withstand the intensity of fierce and frequent storms in place of traditional mud huts.
• Education and empowerment – children will attend the newly constructed neighbourhood school whilst young adults can partake in TAFE woodwork, metalwork and sewing classes.
• Fish farm and agriculture - a diversity of food sources keep the community fed through self-sufficient production.

Key Areas of Investment

• Construction costs – Housing, school classrooms, bathroom block, community garden beds
• School materials
• Water tanks and pumps
• Fish-farm and hydroponic vegetable garden setup costs
• Vocational training classes
• Land purchases for expansion