Burundi’s history has been shaped by deep ethnic tensions between Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa communities, resulting in cycles of violence, trauma, and mistrust that continue to impact society. The Trustbuilding Program in Burundi creates safe spaces for dialogue and understanding, aiming to heal these wounds and lay the foundations for lasting peace. 

Our approach includes:

• Dialogue and storytelling sessions – bringing together people from different ethnic backgrounds to share experiences, confront painful histories, and build empathy.
• Workshops in displacement camps and vulnerable communities – providing spaces where reconciliation can begin in fragile environments.
• Youth and community leader engagement – training local leaders to promote trustbuilding and peaceful coexistence.
• Creative peacebuilding methods – such as theatre and non-violent communication exercises that allow emotional expression and connection. 

• Over 1,705 direct beneficiaries engaged through dialogue and training activities.
• 90 people trained in trustbuilding skills and facilitation.
• Over 45 trustbuilding events held, including in displacement camps.
• Over 9,000 volunteer hours dedicated to the work.
• Feedback highlights significant shifts in attitudes, with reduced tensions and growing commitment to unity and reconciliation among participants. 

“Participating in the peace circles has given me hope that our communities can heal and build a better future together.” 
— Denise Sindokotse, community leader

“Through TBP, I have learned to listen beyond divisions and see the shared humanity beneath our differences.”

These stories exemplify how trustbuilding is sowing seeds of healing and social cohesion in Burundi’s most divided communities.

"My mother taught me that Hutus are animals and criminals and that it was better for me not to approach them. A negative experience in secondary school reinforced my belief that what my mom told me was true. After attending trustbuilding workshops and the Circle of Peace, I learned that Hutus are not bad people. They also suffered, as I did. They lost relatives, as did we. Now, I feel the need to forgive the students who chased me away from school when I was young. Furthermore, I want to create relationships with Hutus to break the cycle of hatred and what our parents told us." ~ Participant 

Despite progress, Burundi remains fragile and vulnerable to renewed conflict. Supporting the Trustbuilding Program means empowering local leaders to continue their vital work and expanding activities to more communities, especially displaced and marginalised groups. Increased resources would enable:

• Broader outreach and accessibility of trustbuilding initiatives.
• Enhanced training and support for local facilitators.
• Development of culturally relevant peacebuilding tools.
• Strengthened partnerships with national peace and reconciliation frameworks.