Our History
War, deaths, Displacements
Burundi is consistently ranked among the poorest countries in the world. Since the 1970s, Burundi has been a recurring source of refugees as tens of thousands are forced to flee to neighboring countries. Bad governance, dictatorships and political power struggles have triggered ethnic cleansing and genocides for decades. This constant social and political instability is one of the biggest contributors to Burundian poverty.
Beyond the Camp
Our Beginnings
Our founder and Board of Directors established the Burundi Education Fund and began operations in Burundi in 2010.
About Burundi
Burundi is a small, mountainous country in East Africa, bordered by Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda. Often called the “Switzerland of Africa” for its scenic terrain, Burundi is also one of the world’s poorest nations.
A Troubled History
Like its neighbor Rwanda, Burundi shares a history of colonialism, ethnic tensions, and devastating civil conflict. The country endured a 13-year civil war from 1993 to 2006 and has faced renewed political and security crises since 2015.
On-the-Ground Impact
During our time in Burundi, we supported students by paying tuition and providing supplemental nutrition. We also built a 26-bed dormitory at Muramba High School to protect girls from the dangers of long daily commutes. Additionally, we constructed a water system in Mubimbi, providing clean drinking water to over 1,900 students.
A Shift in Focus
In 2015, strict government restrictions on NGOs made it impossible for us to continue our work in Burundi. We pivoted to support Burundian refugee children in Rwanda and Uganda.
A New Chapter
Now operating as Beyond the Camp, we remain committed to our mission: finding impactful ways to help children pursue their education.