Burundi has a population of approx 8.4 million and a land area 1/3 the size of Tasmania. 90% of its population rely on subsistence farming. 68% live below the poverty line. Approx 27,000 children under 15 years of age have HIV/AIDS and another 200,000 have been orphaned by the disease. Thirteen years of civil war has also taken its toll on the family, community and economy. Their needs are for:

• Housing
• Education
• Training & medical facilities
• Family structure for widows and orphans   
• Employment

Villages of Life is a joint project between Youth for Christ Australia, Youth For Christ Burundi and World Relief operating under the name of Youth First Concerns utilising the YFC Overseas Aid Fund.

Through tax-deductible donations from corporate Australia, schools, churches and families, our vision is to build villages, each consisting of 15 houses that will house 15 widows and approximately 90 orphans.

Each house will provide shelter for 6 orphans and a house mother/parent that will give a sense of structured family life where once there was none. A school for 300 students servicing the village and the surrounding population, a TAFE workshop for carpentry, metalwork and sewing, as well as a medical centre are also part of the vision, and will serve to develop a more integrated community.

All the building material will be sourced locally, boosting the local economy. The building will be done by the local work force creating much needed employment. This also helps to avoid jealousy within the surrounding community.

YFC Burundi is there to provide for the emotional, spiritual and everyday needs of widows and orphans housed in the homes.

Click here to visit the Villages of Life website for more detailed information on this project. Why not subscribe to their newsletter while you are there?

Interested in making a donation towards this worthy project? Then contact the Youth For Christ / Youth First Concerns office in Mitcham on 03 9874 7000 to discuss your options.