Makamba, Burundi- During the Christmas holidays we gathered the students of recently visited schools and prepared them to begin Universal Chastity Education clubs at their schools. We held a workshop because we found out that students from the schools we reached were being used to distribute condoms to their fellow students. Our team was very sad that the students were being used in this way, and upon interviewing the students we found they did not fully understand what they were doing. However, after hearing the UCE message of abstinence, the students chose to abandon their ancient method of fighting HIV/AIDS, which was to distribute condoms at their schools! The team and the students rejoiced as we thanked God for this success!

2011 World AIDS Day Ceremonies, Burundi

Makamba, Burundi (By Bishop Martin Blaise Nyaboho)- In Burundi, as in most of the world, the 1^st of December is traditionally World AIDS Day. However, in Burundi the Head of State shifted it to Saturday the 4^th, because of the financial constraints. In Makamba province, the UCE team led the activities of the day.

To gear up, the Burundi team went on an outreach marathon in November. The UCE team reached 17 schools during this time. The outreaches culminated by having the students join the UCE team in Makamba for the World AIDS Day events.

Students of GITABA I Secondary School Proudly Display their Commitment CardsUCE Burundi Pushes to Reach Schools  – October 2011 (By Bishop Martin Blaise NYABOHO)

UCE Burundi is running a marathon towards different secondary schools in the southern region of Burundi to sensitize the students to the awareness of available tools to the prevention of HIV/AIDS and the ways people should cope with to live healthy lives.

Brick making workshop

September 2011

Maband, Burundi - Students from both universities and secondary schools attended a workshop during their school vacation in the area of Maband. 

The UCE team, led by Bishop Martin Nyaboho of Makamba Diocese, was invited to join the brick making workshop and integrate an HIV/AIDS prevention message into the program.