Classrooms for Children in Burundi

Last year, through the generosity of friends and family coupled with the excitement of March Madness, we were able to raise nearly $7,000 for a school in Southern Burundi. I am excited to announce that our funding truly made a difference. The objective was to build 3 classrooms for 7th through 9th graders in this community – students who would have to trek more than 5 miles on foot to and from school each day for any hope of educational opportunities. Today the school is open and class is in session for these older students, but there is so much more work to be done.

This fundraiser was established because growing up, I have been blessed to be able to observe a different worldview and perspective through my Dad’s best friend, Juvenal Nzambimana. Juvenal grew up in Burundi, a small African nation that gained its independence in 1962. Juvenal’s experience growing up was extremely different from mine, and I have always been amazed by his stories and his successful journey to becoming a World Bank professional serving at its Washington, DC headquarters and in many field offices across Africa. As I am now older, I see the privileges I have growing up in America and have been inspired to accomplish something for humankind and a place that is so important to our family friend.

In December 2021, Murango Primary School was destroyed by heavy rain and winds right before Christmas Break. After the storm, the Anglican Church mobilized the local community to cover the destroyed roof so that the older students could finish their exams. However, younger students were sent home because there was not enough space. Since then, classrooms at the Murango Primary School have been consistently overcrowded, with upwards of 40 students per classroom. This does not create an environment conducive to learning, and as a result, many kids drop out before graduation. Many of the girls who drop out are forced into early marriage.

The classroom below is the result of the generous donations that were raised through Hoops for Hope 2023. The students in the classroom are 7th graders who are studying near their homes. Their older siblings did not get this chance, and this is the first impact of our Hoops for Hope fundraiser.

Together we have made a meaningful difference in the lives of these children. Our 2024 efforts will focus on completing the unfinished blocks of the classroom and providing the proper equipment such as chairs and windows. The next funding will allow more than 70 students to attend Murango middle school (7th-8th grade). In school year 2025-2026, 9th graders will enter, and we will have forever changed the school lives and future of more than 100 students.

Please consider making a charitable contribution to support these children and their dream of an education. 100% of the funds will be distributed to the community leader to reinforce the structure of the damaged classrooms as well as the completion of the new classrooms.

We thank you for helping us make our dreams of Hoops for Hope a reality.