Youth from Eastern Europe have just visited Burundi to assess MDG achievements

28 youths from Bulgaria, Romania and Czech Republic from different faculties of their Universities have spent a week in Burundi to witness Burundi’s steps in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).–By Diane Uwimana

From left to right Michal Svec ,Andrea Bozec , Antoaneta Yanrabakova and Jérèmie Nkunzima during the publication of the conclusions of MDG
achievements in Bururndi.©Iwacu

It was a great joy for these young students to publish their conclusions and impressions about Burundi’s MDG achievements. They have responded to the invitation by Consciousness and Development Forum (FOCODE) in the “8…. Goals We Act” Project. Jérémie Nkunzimana, the Project Coordinator at FOCODE, indicates that the main objective of those youths’ trip to their association was to break down different clichés they have for Africa and Africans. “Many countries from Eastern Europe have many narrow –minded ideas towards Africans. It is high time they avoided and changed this stereotype. Now, they have spent one week with Burundian Youths to share their experience as far as the MDG issues are concerned in order to tackle together their development,” mentions Nkunzimana. The same view is shared by Andrea Bozec, the Coordinator of the Partners Foundation for Local Development in Romania. “Those young students are the future decision –makers and economic operators. It is worthy for them to witness the MDG ideas in order to spread them and be engaged in the development activities”, she underlines. She also indicates that Burundi like other countries encountered the same challenges in MDG achievements. “Not only each developing country does need financial support but also development cooperation. We are going to share experience with our colleagues in order to react on MDG issues,” she urges.

“From different hemispheres but similar challenges”

Antoaneta Yanrabakova, the Executive Director of YMCA association in Bulgaria mentions that she is proud of the different activities done by different local Burundian Organizations. “We are aware of what happens in the world, some issues related to climate change, healthcare, lack of fund and education, are commonly observed in Burundi like in Bulgaria. But the most important thing we must deal with is sharing experience and strengthening appropriate strategies to achieve the MDG”, she points out. According to Michal Svec, the Project Coordinator of Partners Czech points out that the Czech Republic, the heart of Europe faces the same challenges like Burundi, the heart of Africa, even though they are in different continents. “In Burundi, we have learnt how we should contribute through local organizations gathered in Civil Society in order to achieve the MDG. Our former President, who died 20 years ago, has since opened up our mind to work closely with the civil society. We are now determined to defy any obstacle which should constrain MDG achievements”, underlines Michal. He also indicates that Burundian Countryside people have inspired them much more. During their study trip, they have been taken to Buraniro area at Butaganzwa Commune in Kayanza Province. “We were very glad to see how Burundian people despite their poverty try to share what they have, which is not the case in our country”, he states.
Michal adds that there is a Czech Doctor who has created a library and a livestock farm in that area. “He is a bright example in MDG achievements. As we have witnessed what happens in this country, we are going to share the experience with our friends,” he says. Monica Somandroiu from Romania adds that Burundian youths are more committed to participating more actively in MDG actions: “they are dynamic and more concerned in different activities than our youths.” She says that she is going to share experience with her colleagues and urge others to contribute in MDG achievements. It is worth indicating that Burundi has been chosen because it is always quoted in different speeches in the world but unknown for these visitors. “It is a big opportunity for us to discover this country and also strengthen and deepen the relationship between Bulgaria, Romania, Czech Republic and Burundi”, says Andrea Borec from Bulgaria.

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Students’ testimonies about Burundi

1. As it was the first time she visited Burundi, Matysova Martina from Czech Republic says that she was surprised to see the beauty and hospitality offered by the country and Burundians. She mentions that after her studies, she is going to create projects related to some interesting issues in Burundi such as agricultural sector development and its sustainability. “We are from different faculties (Law, Political sciences and philosophy), we are convinced without any doubt that any participant has seen his/her sector of contribution”, she says.

2. Smolick Vojtech from Czech Republic indicates that he has found in Burundi what he couldn’t find in books or documents. “We have actually witnessed what Burundians really do and I must keep it in my mind for my future contribution,” he underlines.

3. Monica Somandroiu from Romania indicates that the reality is different from what they have watched on TV and read on internet. “Even if Burundi is among the poorest countries, Burundians have a great will to change and improve their situations,” she says.

4. Vornicu Andrea from Romania, points out that the reality they have seen in Burundi will help them be the development’s good ambassadors. “Traditional dances and Burundian hospitality have shown enough how people live. It is totally different from the European way of living”, he indicates.

5. Liliya Peychevadragoeva from Bulgaria says that she was impressed by Burundian Youths. “I have met two young students who dream about becoming webmasters”, she declares. She also underlines that she is going to publish an article about her trip in Burundi just to share experience with the majority of Bulgarian people.

6. Atanas Miche from Bulgaria points out that he has a good impression of Burundian Youths and Civil Society’s effective contribution in the world’s development. “Achieving the MDG, everyone is giving his/her contribution for a prosperous future”, he highlights.
Michal Svec, Andrea Bozec, Antoaneta Yanrabakova and Jérèmie Nkunzimana during the conclusions of MDG achievements in Burundi