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.

The marathon has started from GITABA I Secondary School populated by 272 students both boys and girls. This school is located in the Highlands with an excellent scenery.The warm welcome which we enjoyed was from the principal surrounded by his staff and students. We started praising the Almighty God for the beauty of creation and the gift of life that He has granted to us. The UCE Burundi National Director opened with a word of prayer  before dividing the students into two groups based on their gender.

The female group was led by Mrs. Claire Hategekimana to which 124 girls attended. On the other side 140 boys participated. Both groups were informed about the current spread of HIV/AIDS mostly in Africa. Our country is still among the highly infected countries on the continent while the southern region where we are settled records a high rate of infection. The reason us due not only to abandonment of school life among our youth, but also to the quick spread of the pandemic disease. The outreach was very successful because  264 decided to sign the commitment cards, a reminding gesture that they have surrendered to the abstained life until they get married legally.

Members of the UCE Burundi Team Sing Songs Encouraging the YouthFrom Gitaba 1 secondary school, we moved to CANDA High School where nobody has ever organized an HIV/AIDS prevention event. The UCE team could notice clearly that those students were not aware of our vision, mission, objectives and values. But we were moved to see how they were ready to embrace any teachings promoting abstinence and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS…286 commitment cards were signed! Selected students participated in the weekly UCE broadcasted programs on RADIO STAR FM.  Support us with your prayers the marathon continues.