Youth Conference, Rock Island
“The Better Tomorrow Depends on Today’s Foundation.”
IBWO women from the United States and Australia organised a Youth Conference in Rock Island, Illinois, to interact with the youth and get to know what motivates them to serve their communities. The day ran in three sessions: morning, afternoon and evening.
Youth and IBWO members come together
IBWO members from the United States and representatives from Australia met with young people from different states, who were able to interact and get to know one another. Ice-breaker games, including a Kahoot quiz testing their knowledge of Burundi, helped the youth step out of their comfort zones and opened the floor for elders to share facts about their beloved country.
The youth were also asked to introduce one another in Kirundi, encouraging them to speak their native language. As a wise man once said, “When drinking water, one must not forget its source.”
Honest conversations across generations
The morning began with introductions, and the youth were grouped by age and goals. IBWO-USA President Victoria IRAMBONA gave a brief presentation on IBWO and its purpose before the youth split into groups to answer questions about what keeps them from being close to their culture, language and customs, and the obstacles they face in life.
The groups presented their answers, which led to deeper discussion and understanding between generations. Youth and parents also talked openly about single-parent and two-parent households, religion and the church, and the long- and short-term effects of poor decisions. It was an open forum where everyone could speak freely, leading to healthy conversations on topics that are often avoided.
Games, dance and teaching from elders
After the morning session, everyone headed to the park for a picnic and field day. Youth and IBWO women enjoyed games and activities, and a wonderful volunteer from Rock Island, Isabella, taught the girls traditional Burundian dance. After a makeshift game of volleyball, the boys and girls split into two groups for teachings from the elders: the boys from the men volunteers and the girls from IBWO women.
Speeches and a community fundraiser
The final night featured a formal dinner with speeches from IBWO-USA President Victoria IRAMBONA, USA Vice-President Pascazia BUKURU and Global Youth President Ninette. IBWO Director Izera MAZAMBO travelled from Australia to join this momentous occasion. A fundraiser was also held, where young people and parents pledged donations to help the organisation grow and host more conferences like this one.
Moments from the day
Our supporters & sponsors
Organisations that have stood alongside IBWO and our young people.
