RUYIGI, April 22 (ABP) – The First Lady of Burundi, Angeline Ndayishimiye, officially launched on Tuesday a training program in entrepreneurship intended for host communities of Congolese refugees. This initiative aims to strengthen social cohesion and economic self-reliance of the concerned populations, an onsite check by ABP has revealed.
The project is implemented by the PAEEJ, in collaboration with the Umugiraneza Association and the foundation of the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Denise Nyakeru. It targets households living near refugee camps in Buhumuza province.
The areas concerned include the camps of Bwagiriza, Nyankanda and Busuma in Ruyigi commune, as well as Kavumu camp in former Cankuzo province. The Gasorwe camp, located in Muyinga province, is also among the identified sites.
In her speech, Mrs. Ndayishimiye recalled that Burundi has been hosting Congolese refugees since 2025, following the persistent insecurity in eastern DRC. She emphasized that this reception is in line with the values of fraternity, hospitality, and solidarity that characterize the country.
She specified that this training aims to equip beneficiaries with practical skills. The objective is to enable them to develop income-generating activities. Ultimately, the project seeks to strengthen the socio-economic and environmental resilience of refugees and host communities.
Among the planned activities are small livestock farming, particularly goats and pigs. The project also includes reforestation actions through the planting of forest and fruit trees. These measures aim to combat the deforestation observed around refugee camps.
On this occasion, the First Lady warned against certain practices. She denounced the tendency of some beneficiaries to sell or immediately consume the animals received. She called on them to use this support as a lever for sustainable development.
On the sidelines of this activity, Mrs. Ndayishimiye visited the Notre-Dame de la Joie High School in Ruyigi. There, she met students, supervisors, as well as residents of the locality.
She encouraged learners to redouble their efforts during this end-of-school-year period. She also wished them great success in their studies.
On this occasion, she offered a donation consisting of mattresses, sanitary towels, and sports equipment. This gesture aims to improve students’ living conditions, particularly those of young girls.