The History of the Batwa:

The Batwa people are the indigenous tribe of Burundi. They make up 1% of the population, an estimated 120,000 women, men, and children. Until recent decades, they resided in the ancient forests of Burundi, living on the land’s resources and maintaining their traditional practices as hunters and gatherers. Mass deforestation reduced the Batwa tribe’s territory and the people began to be forcibly evicted from their ancestral forest home. Without their traditional means of self-sufficient survival and with no access to formal education, they faced terrible stigma and systemic discrimination. Most Batwa people do not have legal identity, and are sometimes even considered invisible. But thanks to African Road partnership, this is starting to change.

The ID Kits:

The Identity Kit Initiative was co-created by Batwa leader and Changemaker Evariste Ndikumana, working in partnership with African Road. Identity Kits empower entire communities of Batwa people to claim their legal rights and identity. Through the project, Batwa people are issued IDs and other critical documents, including health insurance cards, birth certificates (which make way for children under five to have free access to healthcare), voter registration, and civil marriage certificates. This project intentionally serves entire communities at a time, and culminates in a village-wide celebration and civil society marriage ceremony, in which couples’ marriages can be recognized legally for the first time.

Progress:

The first African Road ID Initiative took place in 2014. Since that time, 61 villages and 5,947 people have been served with ID Kits and benefits. Evariste and his team of indigenous leaders (called ASSEJEBA) even received an ID Kit grant from the US Embassy in Burundi. The Embassy reported that they appreciate the very tangible impact of the ID Kit project. It is estimated that 80,000 more Batwa lack legal Identity and the rights, services, and affirmation of dignity that comes with ID. We can change that together!

Three -Village Pilot Project (Farming and Education):

 African Road has partnered with Changemaker Evariste and his indigenous leadership team since 2015 for a pilot project, working together to increase food security and address access to early childhood education in three rural Batwa communities. Through funding for training, supplies, and land purchases, these communities are expanding their agricultural skills and productivity for long-term stability. And the children of these villages are now able to receive and advance in preschool, primary, and secondary level education – an entire generation is gaining literacy; an historic expansion of opportunity for them and their communities. 

Honoring Indigenous Leaders:

African Road is committed to working with indigenous leadership to co-create sustainable systemic change. This is the only initiative in Burundi led by a credible Batwa leader and organization, working to bring comprehensive ID kits and benefits to Batwa people. The ASSEJEBA team is made up of Batwa women and men who are dedicated to bringing lasting, community-driven empowerment. It’s an honor to partner with these young leaders who are role models for their communities, as they create new visions for the future for Batwa women, men, and children.