Through education, we can build a better world and give every child a chance at a brighter future.

Twenty years ago, I was one of the students walking the dusty paths to Mbirizi Primary School, located in Commune Gatara, Province Kayanza a rural area in Burundi where access to basic school necessities is a daily challenge for many families. Mbirizi is the school that gave me my start in life. I was fortunate to have parents who could afford my school supplies, shoes, and uniform. But many of my classmates weren’t as lucky.

At Mbirizi Primary School, nearly every student goes to school barefoot unless their parents can afford a simple pair of sandals. Some walk long distances each day with no shoes, carrying worn-out notebooks or none at all. I saw friends sent home because they lacked the supplies required to stay in class. As a child, I couldn’t change that but the pain of seeing it stayed with me.

Now, after moving to the United States, I’ve been working to give back. Four years ago, I started a small initiative with the help of a trusted friend back home. We began by supporting 27 students with school supplies. Last year, we were able to help 112 children from 48 families — providing them with notebooks, uniforms, and shoes.

This year, 504 students at Mbirizi Primary School still need help. That’s why I’ve set a goal to raise $5,200 just about $10 per child to make sure every student can start the school year with dignity and hope.

But my vision doesn’t stop there.

I dream of doing even more not just for Mbirizi Primary School, but for other schools across my home country, especially those in rural areas. In many of these communities, children lose their chance to attend school or drop out early simply because their families cannot afford basic supplies. I want to change that.

What started as helping a few children has now grown into something much bigger. And with your support, I believe we can reach even more. Together, we can give every student at Mbirizi Primary School the tools and encouragement they need to learn, grow, and succeed.

Your donation will go directly toward:

Notebooks, pens, pencils

School uniforms

Shoes or sandals for every student currently walking barefoot

Basic hygiene supplies

Every child deserves to walk into school feeling proud and prepared. Your support whether it's $5, $10, or more makes a real difference. And if you can’t give, please share this campaign with your friends, family, or coworkers.

Let’s come together and give these students a chance just like I was given.

With deep gratitude,

Ernest Kaburundi