The Mothers’ Union Program of the Anglican Church of Burundi (EAB), Diocese of Bujumbura, targets vulnerable women and illiterate individuals in the parishes of Muramvya, Bujumbura, Cibitoke, and Bubanza provinces. The program aims to strengthen family well-being, community cohesion, and the social and economic empowerment of participants.
The program provides spiritual guidance and support to Mothers’ Union members across all parishes, alongside the training and enrollment of new members. Participants receive training on family well-being and child protection, as well as development-focused literacy programs, equipping women with skills that enhance both their personal growth and autonomy.
The program also trains facilitators to manage literacy centers and savings and credit activities, as well as small businesses, to foster economic empowerment. This year, 16 facilitators were trained in literacy, 10 in savings, credit, and small business management, and 30 facilitators received refresher training to strengthen their skills.
Mothers’ Union members were actively engaged in community and spiritual events, including the International Women’s Day celebration, inspired by Proverbs 31:10-31, and a crusade gathering all members held in Nyakabiga on August 15, 2023. A total of 514 members participated in these activities across 16 out of 24 parishes.
The program also ensures ongoing supervision and support of literacy and savings/credit centers, directly benefiting 106 women and involving 16 trained facilitators (11 women and 5 men), 10 new facilitator beneficiaries (6 women and 4 men), and 30 facilitators who received refresher training (24 women and 6 men). To date, 5 literacy centers and 10 savings and credit centers are actively supported, contributing to education, inclusion, and economic development for women in the communities.