Easter Brings Joy and Hope to Children Surviving on the Dumpsite

This Easter, Back to Life Burundi, in partnership with CDH Stephanus from Germany, delivered care, and renewed hope to 446 vulnerable children. Among them were 323 children who survive by scavenging on a dumpsite, where daily life is marked by hunger, injury, and exposure to dangerous conditions.

 

For these children, survival often means navigating through broken glass, toxic waste, and burning furnaces in search of anything that can be sold or reused. Childhood, for many, has been replaced by hardship and uncertainty. Yet this Easter offered a powerful contrast: a day filled with compassion, safety, and joy.

 

Sylva, President of Back to Life Burundi, expressed deep gratitude for the partnership with CDH Stephanus, noting that the initiative is part of an ongoing effort to support children living in extreme vulnerability.

 He explained that every Saturday, the organization feeds children still surviving on the dumpsite, while also supporting others at their center. On this occasion, they went further, providing clothes and shoes, washing the children before sharing a meal together. He also highlighted that some children rescued earlier are now learning skills such as music and were able to perform joyfully during the celebration.

 

“We thank God that we are now working in partnership with CDH Stephanus from Germany. Every Saturday, we feed children still surviving from the dumpsite. We hope that our capacity will continue to grow so that more children, especially those eager to go to school, can be welcomed into the program." He said

 

Among the children present was 14-year-old Mariam Kezakimana, whose story reflects the reality faced by many. 

“Our father abandoned us, and we had to survive by collecting what we could from the dumpsite,” she shared. “Life there was very hard, we struggled every day, got injured by broken bottles, and sometimes were burned by furnaces. Here, they have fed us, given us clothes and shoes. I am very thankful.” She shared.

 

Dressed in new clothes and shoes, the children’s transformation was visible not only in their appearance but in their spirit. Laughter replaced silence, and songs echoed where hardship once dominated. Through music, play, and shared moments of joy, they experienced a sense of belonging and freedom rarely felt in their daily lives.

 

Back to Life Burundi continues to give children access to education, and offer them a future filled with  love and opportunity.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

We would like to thank all our sponsors who made this event possible. Thanks to their support, we were able to provide a memorable day for the children and the community.