The impact of the ID Kit initiative in Burundi continues to grow! In August of 2023, 1,440 Batwa indigenous people from 18 villages received legal identity, access to essential social services, and basic rights for the first time through ID Kits. Eight months later, the ongoing impact of those ID Kits (which packages together national ID, birth certificates, legal marriage, and other crucial governmental documents) are still being felt and cherished.
In March, Changemaker Evariste Ndikumana and the ASSEJEBA team met with recipients of those ID Kits from August 2023, and listened as they shared on how their lives have changed. Individuals and families reflected on what has made the biggest difference for them, what they are learning about their rights, and what their hopes are now for their future.
When asked what he was feeling most joyful about now that he and his family have legal identity, Andre Minani shared:
“Nothing is more beautiful than seeing my children go to school and come back, safe and sound. They often came back to us saying that they were asked to bring birth certificates when we did not have any. It broke my heart because I had no hope of finding these documents. I now live without fear. If I find work and have money to buy food, I feel very well.”
With a national ID, Andre is now able to work in service of his community:
“As one of the promoters of local social workers, I am not afraid to participate in all the activities assigned to me. I work at the clinic, and I am always the first to arrive at my post, the authorities always present me as a role model. I have seen that my security is ensured, just like that of others.”
ID Kits also affirm long-held marriages and provide peace of mind to couples, by being legally recognized by the government for the first time. Calinie Nangare shared how ID Kits strengthened her marriage:
“Even though my husband and I are older, we celebrated a very happy marriage because we have been together for many years and the government did not recognize us because we lived together without getting legally married. Therefore, now we are happy to live together in accordance with the law. We live in peace, and I am well protected…”
Since the ID Kits initiative began in 2013, in partnership between Evariste and African Road, 11,672 lives have been impacted by the benefits of ID Kits (with 7,454 funded directly through African Road, and more on the way!). Entire Batwa communities are now empowered for hopeful futures. Like Andre and his family, and Calinie and her husband, they are now equipped with government documentation and legal rights.