October 26, 2015
MISSION 2015
Dear donator,
Back in Canada, My School Bag wishes to give you a short update along with greetings for a beautiful autumn.
Because of very particular conditions, My School Bag had to overcome many challenges for this 10th mission to be successful.
As most of you know, Burundi is immersed in an alarming political crisis. The climate is tense, volatile not to say chaotic. Tortures and arbitrary killings are becoming commonplace. Every morning is met by lifeless bodies mainly those of young men. Insecurity and fear rule all aspects of Burundian’s lives. The economy of the country is also severely affected. Yet, this strong population tries to remain bonded and help each other. Above all, they have not lost hope.
Although frightened, children as brave as their parents do not stop believing in a better future. This insight drove more that 90% of them to come and collect their school supplies and uniform in spite of the danger they faced.
As we were not able to visit the children in their schools or communities due to safety reasons, the O.P.D.E (Humanitarian Work for the Development and Protection of the Child in Difficulty.) has kindly provided us with an office and a large reception hall to make the distributions possible. Without this gracious offer, the 2015 Mission would not have taken place. For his assistance, we have to thank Mr. Athanase RWAMO, Founder of O.P.D.E. and writer, whom we met in Montreal during his book launch « LA RUE, refuge et calvaire » (THE STREET, refuge and ordeals).
Also O.P.D.E. offers professional training services. Two of our students are being trained. We will keep you up-dated.
In order to receive their school bag, school supplies and uniform, the children had to ensure their own transportation. The older students were responsible for the younger ones. No child was to go home alone. All took their responsibility very seriously. Even those who have completed their studies came to contribute. They helped distribute the necessary supplies and made sure the child would get home safely.
Mothers, districts chiefs, school principals and former students came to thank us. They were both touched and surprised. They said: “Everyone is fleeing the country yet you…. you came. Our children will go to school”.
Corinne Chatel
For: Corinne Chatel, Solange Choquette, Médiatrice Ntakare, Daniel Tanguay, Michel Tanguay and Gilbert Valade in Canada
In Memoriam Marguerite Barabé
Jocelyne Ntakare, Joseph Bizimana, J.Claude Nzeyimana et Dieudonné Sindabizera, Prime Nshimirimana , Thatien Gahungu and Imani Ndayishimiye in Burundi
