Shekinah Center: Holistically transforming rural communities

Problem

Burundi is a young country and hence a large share of the population is currently in education or at least in need of education. Burundi’s spending on education is above average when considering share of GDP, yet low in total amounts. Burundi is considered the poorest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita (221 USD, 2021 ). Its Human Development Index ranking is 187 out of 191 countries. 80% of the population work in agriculture and 56% of children suffer from chronic malnutrition. Primary education is free and enrollment is high, yet education quality is low – especially in rural areas. The completion rate for primary education is estimated at 34% . In grade 4, less than 30% score above the minimum French readings skills and only 60%achieve the minimum score in maths. Rural children are 3x less likely to complete secondary education and only 7% of those who reach post-primary education come from the poorest households.

Solution

Shekinah Center’s vision is to transform rural communities. The starting point in 2011 was to offer high-quality, student-centred education to 300 low-income youth in Mwaro province. Since then, the approach has evolved into a holistic set of activities to empower families. Through careful analysis of community needs and feedback loops, Shekinah Center has deliberately extended its range of activities over the years and started to focus more on economic empowerment and health. These are the areas in which the organization has identified root causes that prevented students from reaching their full potential. Parents get a goat for each child in school and through a year-long program, pregnant women receive health, nutrition & agricultural training. Graduated women are grouped into Village Saving Groups where they learn about financial literacy & business management to earn an income & enhance their financial status. Only the most vulnerable families can join Shekinah and there is a strong ownership among parents and students. Default and drop-out rates are close to zero. Now in year 13, their first students will soon graduate from secondary school and apply for universities - an educational path that would have been almost impossible for most.