HIGH SCHOOL BURUNDI STUDENTS

 

Burundi Education Fund was created in Appleton in 2010.  The organization brings hope to extremely poor children attending extremely poor schools in Burundi by providing annual school fees and school supplies, by creating basic infrastructure of clean drinking water, sanitation and by initiating sustainable projects in schools.  The Burundi High School Students program was created to provide an opportunity to bright, hardworking Burundian students to witness the educational, economic, social and political structure of a developed nation.  The goal of this program is for these students to one day become 21^st century leaders who will bring hope of a brighter future to the people of Burundi by continuing the legacy of the American generosity and the work of the Burundi Education Fund, Inc.  During their stay here in the Fox Valley, students have the opportunity to share their country’s culture with Americans and also have the opportunity to help educate Americans about the extreme poverty of their country.  Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world and was named “the hungriest country in the world” by USA Today in 2014.  The students that are chosen for this program come from extremely poor families.  They arrive in the United States with very limited English and technological skills but with determination and desire to excel.  They are greeted by their host families.  Generous host families provide students with a home, meals and transportation to and from school but they are not expected to furnish clothing, school supplies, spending money, etc. for their student.  Currently there are six students who are juniors in this program and they have dreams of attending post-secondary education.  The students are doing all they can to prepare for acceptance at a college; excelling in academics, participating in school, community and church activities, donating hours of service to local churches, hospitals and community members and preparing diligently for their college ACT test.  These students have done so well with so little thus far.  They have great potential and great hope that they will one day make the world a better place.  The goal of the program is to help them find a way to make their dreams come true.  Please visit their website at www.educateburundi.org to learn more about their students, programs and ways in which you can join in their work.