Evariste Ndikumana, ASSEJEBA
Burundi 🇧🇮
Meet Evariste
Evariste is a singular and dynamic leader serving the marginalized Batwa indigenous people in Burundi. He himself is Batwa, and was the second Batwa indigenous person to graduate from university in the history of Burundi. Evariste Ndikumana chose to study law in order to advocate for his people. After graduation, he formed a team of young Batwa people who had completed secondary school and who were determined to show that Batwa people could lead change for their own people. In 2010, Evariste formed a Batwa-led nonprofit organization called ASSEJEBA, seeking to restore hope through advocacy and practical development. Together with the ASSEJEBA team, he passionately works to secure rights for the Batwa while inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Evariste Ndikumana is motivated by devotion and commitment to serving the Batwa indigenous people in Burundi. As an indigenous Batwa himself, he has been called on by his people as a grassroots leader. Evariste has now served three terms in Parliament where he is a voice for the Batwa of Burundi.
About ASSEJEBA
Evariste Ndikumana is ASSEJEBA’s Founder and Director. ASSEJEBA (Association Espoir pour les Jeunes Batwa) seeks to restore hope in the lives of the Batwa through promoting Batwa Indigenous people’s rights, including those to: land, justice, children’s education, National ID, marriage, legal assistance, income-generating activities, food security, housing, health, and culture.
The work of ASSEJEBA is an historical effort in Burundi, as it is created and led by indigenous people, for indigenous people. ASSEJEBA formed to advocate for and serve their people. They come alongside one village at a time to coordinate and deliver all aspects of their work. They listen, educate, build collaborative relationships in the broader community, and spend the time that it takes for their work to bring the best positive and long lasting impact possible. These Batwa leaders are role models for Batwa children and demonstrate to others in the area that Batwa are capable leaders.
ASSEJEBA is equipped and prepared to scale their important work, with the following strategic priorities:
- A Model Village – ASSEJEBA is establishing an indigenous ‘model village’ to demonstrate a strategic, replicable methodology for community-led escape velocity from poverty in Burundi. Investment in each phase of this highly impactful initiative positions the indigenous people to lead the way forward in Burundi.
- ID Kits – Affirm the dignity of every Batwa in Burundi with an ID Kit, providing legal identity card, birth certificates, and access to rights and services. This is implemented with a strategic emphasis on empowerment of women and girls.
- Farming – Improve food security for the Batwa through purchase of farmland, agriculture inputs, and training programs.
- Education – Enable access to education for every Batwa child.
- Housing – Provide safety and protection for families through stable, brick houses.
- Vocational Training – Develop skills and employment opportunities through training for increasing economic stability for Batwa.
- Water and Sanitation – Build latrines and educate Batwa about disease prevention and sanitation for improved health. Provide access to clean water.
- Medical Care – Increasing access to medications and doctor visits through supplementing health insurance coverage.
- Higher Education – Support university education for bright future leaders.