Zoom in internationally on Burundi
Have you always wanted to know who we fight for international solidarity with? In this section we let the people from our partner organisations speak and get to know them better. What is their drive to fight day in, day out? Will you be inspired?
Today we zoom in on Calinie from Burundi.
Who is Calinie Ndayisaba?
Calinie has been working for partner REJA (Network of Youth Organisations in Action for Peace, Reconciliation and Development) in Burundi since November. She is responsible for the project citizen participation, for and by young people. REJA is a network of youth organisations that engage in policy influencing to put the needs of young people on the political agenda.
What gives you energy in your work?
"What gives me energy is seeing young people's commitment, their involvement and positive energy in all the activities we organize. Somehow this shows that young people are mature people. Capable of making decisions about their lives and contributing to the integral development of the country."
"When I work with young people I can't get bored," says Calinie. "It's also flexible work, if there are sudden changes in our activity schedule they deal with it flexibly. They don't ask for much, they like to learn. Every young person has a passion, so they give themselves completely to an activity and participate fully."
"Also considering my age, I feel younger again by working with them," Calinie continues. "It helps me to be more flexible and adapt better to the many changes that occur during the implementation process of a program."
“Young people are not only the target group, they are also the agents of change given their capacities, commitment and original ideas about the world of tomorrow.”
Why do you work at REJA?
"First of all, I like young people. Their way of doing things and the enthusiasm that prevails at work. I also work for REJA because I want to contribute to the development of Burundi and to the involvement of young people in decision-making processes. Finally, REJA is also a place for me to learn."
REJA specializes in supporting young people in various themes such as socio-economic reintegration, youth entrepreneurship, etc. They do this through, for example, youth circles, advocacy for the cause of young people and promoting democratic values.
What would you like to tell our volunteers?
Calinie wants to emphasize the importance of involving young people in policy and decision-making processes. "Burundi is essentially a young country, as 65% of the population is under 25. It is these young people who have the power to bring about change."
"REJA believes that sustainable human development is only possible when the government and its various partners prioritize the issues of young people. In particular, by involving them in the process of developing and implementing all programs that can realize the socio-economic development of the country."
Do you support our partners in Burundi?
Together with Calinie and our partners we fight for international solidarity. Will you join us?
