In Rwanda, Maison Shalom is registered as an international NGO, providing support to Burundian refugees allowing them retain their dignity while in exile, and preparing for a constructive return to the home country. We work towards this goal through four main programmes:
- Education – nursery and secondary school, university, professional trainings and language courses.
- Socio-economic – training in management of small projects, and providing micro-loans to solidarity groups.
- Psychosocial – psychological and social support;
- Cultural – drums, traditional and modern dances, drama;
According to data from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, over 360,000 Burundian nationals have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, out of which around 68,000 are in Rwanda. https://data2.unhcr.org/en/situations/burundi
All of these refugees need to be able to access programs tackling the numerous issues they face, including:
- Prostitution of minors to survive;
- Petty crime among young people following idleness;
- Limited access to education;
- Physical and/or psychological traumas ;
- Insufficient means to satisfy their immediate needs;
- Cultural loss.