Kiganda Area Program

Kiganda is home to more than 50,000 people, almost 30,000 of whom are children. Most people in the community depend on farming for a living. Their major crops include banana, sweet potato and maize; however disasters including floods and drought have limited their success. Although local governments try to support families with services and facilities, children still suffer from malnutrition, diarrhea and HIV and AIDS.

This area is also home to an ethnic minority, the Batwa. This group has struggled and faced discrimination for years. Once respected as hunter-gatherers, they no longer have a place in society. Artisanal pottery was their source of income but is now impossible as the raw materials are used to make bricks. Their displacement has caused extreme poverty and put them at risk of exploitation and manipulation.

Livelihoods
Kiganda does not produce enough food to feed families. Outdated farming techniques and tools, combined with damage to the area's natural resources like deforestation, bush fires and soil degradation make it difficult for famers to have good harvests. Crop diseases and disasters such as flood and drought also impact production.

Low family income and a lack of education often keeps many from increasing their yields or connecting to local markets. Farmers do not diversify their crops and lack information on how to sow drought resistant seeds or improve storage facilities. As a result, many children in the community are malnourished. Lack of access to clean and safe water only worsens their condition.

Education
Despite the support of local government, students in Kiganda still struggle to enjoy quality education. Out of the 16 villages that make up this community, three do not have any primary schools. The hilly terrain and travel distance makes it hard for these children to attend classes in other parts of the community. Many parents are illiterate and don't prioritize their children's education, especially for girls.

For children who do go to school, resources such as desks, chairs and textbooks are still limited. Few teachers are qualified in both English and Swahili"which is mandatory for primary schools in Burundi. Kids rarely attend kindergarten, which would better prepare them for higher education and reduce dropout rates. Students need better access to sanitary latrines and clean water, to ensure they don't get sick.

Child Protection & Participation
Children in Kiganda have no awareness of their rights and are often voiceless, even in discussions that directly affect them, mostly because parents have a very limited understanding of child rights. The community lacks vital protection strategies to ensure families and children can identify and report cases of abuse and violence. Systems to keep children safe are needed.

Youth in this community need spaces to play and gather, as well as productive activities in which they can participate. Deeply rooted traditions often limit the voices of children, both within the home as well in the community. Children's forums don't exist and as such, many never have the opportunity to express their ideas or participate in decision making.

Livelihoods
To ensure farmers can improve their harvests and children can enjoy full health, World Vision will work to:

• Increase access to updated tools and techniques to improve crop and livestock production
• Train farmers on environmental management to better preserve the land's natural resources
• Help families find other income-generating activities to supplement their earnings
• Establish connections between farmers, farming groups and market networks to improve income

Education
To help children in Kiganda enjoy quality education, World Vision will partner with the community to:

• Prepare teachers and equip them with resources to improve their student's literacy and numeracy skills
• Ensure classrooms are welcoming and promote equitable education for all children
• Help community volunteers organize after-school activities such as reading camps
• Provide students with more opportunities to learn skills related to careers, business and everyday life

Child Protection & Participation
To give kids in Kiganda a safe childhood and the opportunity to use their voice, World Vision will help to:

• Improve the quality of child-friendly spaces so that children can socialize and play safely
• Promote child rights among parents and children to improve awareness within the community
• Support community-led strategies that allows children to report abuse and leaders to respond efficiently
• Build the capacity of children to participate in discussions and become agents of change in their community