Burundi (Gitega)
Orphanage
Youth for Christ
EMI Project 5388
October 29 - November 12, 2007
Project Update:
Constructed Burundi YFC and Gitega orphanage
Project Scope
Located near the geographic heart of Africa below Rwanda, Burundi was at civil war since 1993, but has had relative peace for a year and a half and recently has held peaceful elections. 10 years of genocidal war and HIV/AIDS has left the country with thousands of orphans.
Supported by a ministry from Oregon, a local, national Youth for Christ representative has been reaching out to street kids in Burundi. Formally begun in 2000, this ministry works to encourage and feed kids on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, there is no shelter for them anywhere, still to today. The government recently donated them land near Gitega, where they could develop an orphanage to provide for the needs of orphans.
In addition to the orphanage, the governor who deeded over the land would like to see the development of a local school as well.
The site is a unique location – an equatorial rainforest on the edge of the Rift Valley. They often experience tremors here due to seismic activity. The ministry is interested in adapting to the local materials and culture, and developing self-supporting utility systems. The final master plan will have to take into consideration the need for the main program of an orphanage, agricultural development areas, the public school, recreational areas, a guest house and national prayer centre.
A single small home and office building is already being constructed on the property for the YFC leader to host teams who will be coming to help in the construction phase. Perhaps the eMi team will be the first to occupy this new building as we endeavor to masterplan and design for the future! A mini-safari is also a possibility (additional cost).
Ministry Websites
www.yfci.org/g21africa/country.php?id=25
www.geocities.com/burundi_yfc
Project Team
Rex Barber - eMi Team Leader
Shawn Carr - Structural engineer
Robert Donahue - Architect
Gabe Chou - Planner
Kent Hardy - Drafter
Luke Pomranky - eMi Mechanical Engineering intern
Bob Donahue - Volunteer
Kevin Hale - Civil Engineer
Stephen Fry - Architect
Randy Connett - Electrical Engineer
