Why IBWO exists, and how we work
From the challenge facing our young people to the plan we are putting into action, community by community.
A generation drifting from its roots
Burundian youth and the upcoming generation are becoming farther and farther disconnected from their culture and the traditions and beliefs of their parents.
Many young people have become victims of negativity and unproductiveness because they are neither in school nor engaged in economic activities, and as a result fall into the wrong crowds and illegal activities.
Reaching every Burundian community
IBWO’s goal is to reach all Burundian people in communities throughout the world, using education and mentorship to redirect youth from troubled paths while building stronger communities.
While many are currently incarcerated, in foster care, have been deported or have perished, IBWO will bring our people back into our culture and traditions. We want to positively impact and educate the younger generation, in the hope that as they grow they will give back to their own communities. There is a need to invest in youth empowerment and raise awareness to create an enabling environment for the betterment of our communities.
Our five-year targets
How we will make it happen
Educating parents and youth is our first line and highest priority. Knowledge about health and positive social choices, once raised, is passed on to future generations and to newcomers.
Understand each community
Communities are assessed for the size of their Burundian population, so we know how many activities are needed. Suitable mentors and leaders are then selected and trained to foster growth, work with community health professionals and identify the biggest local issues.
Targeted education programmes
Standardised programmes cover family health and wellness, parenting, morality and cultural heritage, along with programmes on drug and alcohol misuse and recovery. Each community sets its own priorities, but every programme is open to all members, at any time.
Youth mentoring
Pairing young people with established community members, one-on-one or in groups, gives them guidance and structure to stay on a positive path, resist peer pressure and avoid the consequences of substance misuse, from incarceration to deportation.
Substance awareness
Because alcohol and drugs are the biggest problems facing Burundian youth, learning to stay away from them is an integral part of the programme, so young people can recognise and resist temptation and pressure.
These actions will not reverse the losses we have already suffered, but they will lay the foundation for a better future. By teaching our communities, we enable them to grow and prosper, and to pass that knowledge on, breaking the cycle of tragedy and despair.
Works cited
DuBois, David L. “Mentoring Programs for Youth: A Promising Intervention for Delinquency Prevention.” National Institute of Justice, 26 May 2021.
Heath, Sara. “How to Develop Community Health, Patient Outreach Efforts.” PatientEngagementHIT, 6 July 2020.
Self-reliant youth who lift each other up
We are gathering the help and resources to engage young people in productive activities: education, vocational training and entrepreneurial skills. Educated, self-reliant youth go on to teach their peers, breaking the cycle of misinformation and lost cultural knowledge.
“One of the problems we face today as Burundians is the attack on our youth and young generation. Every week we hear of a niece, nephew, son or daughter getting into trouble, with their parents pleading to the community for help. These issues are directly related to a lack of knowledge of Burundian culture and traditions. For the better future of our next generation, we must act. We have set an action plan to be a stepping stone in resolving this, but we cannot tackle it alone. On behalf of the organisation, I ask that you stand with us to save our youth.”
Victoria IrambonaVisionary & Co-Founder, IBWO