Dionis is a drummer from Gishora, Burundi’s drum sanctuary, and is married to Pascaline. The first year of their marriage was a difficult one, in terms of family living conditions. “Feeding my family was a difficult task because I had no manure to put in the fields,” says Dionis.
“A year after the wedding, in February 2023, that’s when Fort Barachel gave the Gishora drummers a pig. I was among those who received a piglet,” continues Dionis. The young drummer and his wife raised this pig and it gave birth to 4 other pigs, three of which they sold to meet their family needs. Their fields have also felt the impact of this gift. “Before, I didn’t have any manure, but now I have some to put in our bean and corn fields,” says Pascaline.
Dionis is one of 23 drummers who have received the gift of pigs from Fort Barachel. The support our organization has given to Dionis and Pascaline has given them hope for a better tomorrow and put their family back on its feet. Their story is a proof that successful support for Burundian culture depends first and foremost on supporting the men and women who are directly involved in keeping that culture.
Fort Barachel Burundi/Back to School 2024/Gishora
The story of Dionis and Pascaline is a powerful reminder that a donation is never small in triggering change in someone’s life.
Even more so, the donations such as the school equipment kits that have just been given to 60 children from Gishora’s drummer families, as part of the “Back to School 2024” campaign, are a powerful lever for creating a greater impact on the lives of these children, their families and the country as a whole.
Let’s continue to push forward those initiatives that make a difference in people’s lives and consider how our design work can positively impact those in need and build their hearts.
Let’s keep “Building hearts in the Heart of Africa”!
