Breaking Barriers, Building Hope
For the past 15 years, working in Burundi has given me a new perspective on what it means to face competition. Back home, competition usually means striving to win a game, a race, or a title. But here, the “competition” we face is something very different—it is the daily struggle against cultural traditions, customs, and beliefs that can feel as impossible to overcome as trying to knock down a brick wall with a wet noodle.
Our only true weapon is God’s Word—sharper than any two-edged sword. But using His Word does not mean standing on a table and shouting, “Change your ways!” Instead, it means doing what Jesus did: building relationships, walking alongside people, opening the Scriptures together, and letting the light of God’s truth shine into areas where hope has been dimmed.
Over these years, there have been valleys of struggle and mountaintops of joy. Yet again and again, God has brought two cultures together and made a way for us to share the Gospel—not only in words, but in actions that meet the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the Burundian people He places before us.
At the heart of the Burundi Hope Project is this desire: to l ead people into an eternal relationship with Jesus Christ, while equipping them to meet their daily needs with dignity and hope. Through the schools we support, the training programs we provide, and the compassion we extend, lives are being transformed.
In Burundi, those with disabilities—whether physical or cognitive—are often seen as “broken.” Even within Christian families, they can be overlooked, abandoned, or left without support. But we know the truth: every person is precious in God’s eyes, made in His image, and deeply loved. Burundi Hope stands as an advocate for these men, women, and children, reminding them that in Christ they are never forgotten.
Recently, our focus has been on expanding educational opportunities—both academic and vocational—that open doors to sustainable futures. Internships and partnerships with local businesses offer a pathway to acceptance and independence. It is not easy. Some grow weary. Some give up. But for every young man or woman who presses forward, who dares to hope, there is a chance to rewrite their story. And Burundi Hope is there to walk with them, encourage them, and remind them they are not alone.
But we do not do this alone. Every step forward happens because of faithful friends who pray, give, and stand with us. For this, we are thankful! Many thanks to all of you for contributing over $15,000 fto the Samuel Project Program!
God Bless!
Susan May, Co-founder
Burundi Hope Project
Healthy Students Can Attend Class!
This year we have been able to provide both schools with mosquito nets. Helping to prevent mosquito born illnesses like malaria keeps students in class learning. 225 mosquito nets are making this happen!
Copy books ( much like our spiral bound notebooks) are the essential school supply for all students. Burundi Hope distributed thousands of copy books to children and thier families and students at schools throughout the country. Every mode of transporation was used to get the copy books to their destination…moto, car, bus and foot! All are blessed by this simple gift!
Expanding Educational Opportunities Through Vocational Training
Not every student is able to continue through traditional academic programs, but every student deserves the chance to succeed. That’s why Burundi Hope partners with special needs schools to provide meaningful vocational training.
One of the most impactful initiatives takes place at the main sewing center in Kigobe, where deaf students gain hands-on experience through internships. These opportunities equip them with practical skills and confidence to become accomplished tailors. The ultimate goal is to place them in sewing centers, where they can earn a livelihood and contribute to their communities.
This vision is made possible through the generosity of ministry partners. By investing in additional sewing machines and commercial equipment, supporters help expand tailoring services and ensure long-term sustainability for these programs. Together, we can stitch hope and opportunity into the lives of these students.
Growing Skills, Growing Hope
Creating vocational opportunities for blind students is a unique challenge—but one that Kanura School for the Blind has embraced wholeheartedly. By adapting agricultural practices, the school is opening new doors for students to gain practical skills that will help them thrive in their communities.
Kanura is expanding its Agriculture Program to ensure blind students can participate fully. Plans include:
Installing an irrigation system for year-round crop production
Developing raised-bed gardens for accessible farming
Adding more mushroom houses and worm production areas
Training in the fish harvesting process
Each of these initiatives will provide formal training for students who are eager to learn. This expansion has a two-fold impact: it equips students with valuable vocational skills while also generating sustainable income for the school.
Your support makes this growth possible. By investing in the Agriculture Program, you help transform the future of blind students—giving them the tools to cultivate not only crops, but confidence, independence, and hope.
✂️Together, We’re Building Brighter Futures🌱
Because of your support:
Deaf students are training to become skilled tailors.
Blind students are learning farming through adapted agriculture programs.
Both schools are moving toward sustainability and independence.
But many more are waiting. With your help, we can expand sewing centers, add agricultural tools, and equip students with the skills they need to thrive.
👉 Your gift empowers students to build hopeful, independent futures.
Support Vocational Training throught the “Donate” Button
