On February 28, 2025, the Burundi Compassion Connectors gathered in Bujumbura-Gishingano for a pivotal meeting led by National Coordinator Emmanuel Baranyizigiye. The discussion centered on strengthening and expanding compassion-based initiatives throughout the country.
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Action
The past year has been marked by significant achievements in Burundi’s Compassion Connectors network:
- Growing the Network: The number of active connectors has reached 55, organized into 10 groups, with efforts ongoing to establish three more.
- Training and Meetings: Two in-person meetings and 12 monthly WhatsApp sessions provided continuous learning and connection among connectors.
- Compassion in Action:
- Supporting older communities with essential supplies, including food, clothing, and hygiene products.
- Assisting children in vulnerable circumstances, particularly orphans, by providing school uniforms, notebooks, pens, and covering school fees.
- Environmental stewardship through tree nurseries and reforestation efforts in Burundi’s hills.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Program of Activities
Building on this strong foundation, the 2025 agenda includes:
1. Training and Strengthening Compassion Networks
Connectors will undergo further training, both online and in-person, to enhance their ability to foster compassion in their communities. This includes:
- Regular refresher courses to reinforce the mission and practices of Compassion Connectors Burundi.
- Organizing physical events that reach new audiences and deepen the impact of compassion-based initiatives.
- Leveraging media, podcasts, and spokesperson efforts to amplify the message of compassion.
2. Creating Compassionate Communities
Burundi’s Compassion Connectors will continue to build strong, supportive communities through:
- Compassion Circles and coaching programs.
- Expanding networks of compassionate leaders across health, education, business, and politics.
- Promoting compassion as a transformative force to address issues like poverty, climate change, and discrimination.
3. Ongoing Compassion Projects
The Burundi Connectors reaffirmed their commitment to:
- Supporting the older people and orphaned children with essential aid.
- Environmental conservation through tree planting in rural areas and urban cleanup projects.
- Expanding efforts to create local groups dedicated to these initiatives.
4. Organizing Regular Meetings
To enhance coordination and accountability:
- Each group of Connectors will hold monthly meetings and report to national leadership via WhatsApp.
- Quarterly physical meetings will allow for in-depth discussions and strategy refinement.
- To facilitate participation, separate meetings will be held for urban and rural connectors, reducing travel burdens.
5. Fostering Strong Relationships Based on Compassion
A key priority is strengthening bonds among connectors by emphasizing:
- Positivity and truthfulness.
- Genuine affection and kindness.
- Ethical behavior and teamwork.
- The principle of reaping what is sown through compassionate action.
Securing Recognition and Support
Participants highlighted the importance of obtaining formal approval for the Compassion Connectors initiative, noting that official recognition would provide greater stability and opportunities for expansion.
A United Vision for a Compassionate Future
The Burundi Compassion Connectors remain committed to spreading compassion at all levels of society. Through training, community-building, environmental action, and advocacy, they are working to create a world where compassion drives meaningful change. Their 2025 plans reflect a deep dedication to fostering a more connected, empathetic, and supportive Burundi.