Victory International Foundation signed a partnership for implementation with local organizations which signed as a member of our platform (see what we do). Regina Project is implemented by APRODEM GIRIZINA whose Main Founders are the same as Victory International Foundation.
In Burundi, Victory International Foundation is implementing the project under the famous approach of Self Help Group with widows of the socio-political crisis that last more than 10 years. The project builds their resilience through Self Help Group Approach. The project clients are chosen by the community and gather different ethnic groups which used to fight each other. With experience, we realize that having these antagonist groups working together through a common interest, can build faster and sustainably the reconciliation.
The Story of Regina Project: From Tragedy to Opportunities
Regina is the name of one of the victims of the 1993 crisis in Burundi where Hutu and Tutsi were involved in killings and many families died; others are displaced and some others flee from the country to neighboring countries (Rwanda, Tanzania, and DR Congo)
Regina died but his children and grandchildren who are still alive wish to honor her by giving the land she used to cultivate to this project. Regina used to organize parties in her communities where she was sharing the crops with families in need without considering their ethnic groups. But unfortunately, she was killed by some of the people she used to help. Some of Regina’s children and grandchildren were displaced and left their land like many others in some places of Burundi. The Government which is trying to bring peace and reconciliation did its best to replace displaced families in their former lands but they are traumatized and afraid to return.
The Regina project is sensitizing the community of Regina to realize the benefits of forgiveness, reconciliation, and taking opportunities of the past crisis.
Regina project has 2 activities
1. Regina Self Help Group
It is made of 60 women, widows of the 1995 and 2015 crisis in a household of 5 people at least. They have the land provided by Regina. They learn how to practice modern agriculture, receive tools, fertilizers, and seeds from the project. They also learn life skills to strengthen their resilience. The expected results are:
- Healthy nutrition to their children
- Health insurance to their children
- Clothing and shoes
- Increased school attendance
2. Regina Entrepreneurship
The first project is run by 80 widows who are displaced in the cities of Gitega and Ngozi are trading Used Clothing originated from Goodwill Industries in America. Victory International Foundation has a partner which buys from Goodwill and ships a 40 feet container to the Regina project in Burundi. The Government provides exoneration of the clothes and helps in the distribution of the product to the 80 widows. They work in a team of 2 and retail clothing in the main market of Gitega, the political capital city. Some are also selling in other markets around the province. The results behind the project are the same:
- Healthy nutrition to their children
- Health insurance to their children
- Clothing and shoes
- Increased school attendance
Once they have their benefits, they are able to order in a team of 80 widows another container. After 12 months, they are able to reimburse the capital used and the funds can serve other beneficiaries.
