Burundi: joint visit reinforces commitment and progress for survivors of sexual violence through the Tumaini project

Survivors at the Humura Centre in Gitega, Burundi.

Tumaini means hope in Swahili  

We know that access to comprehensive care in dignified and welcoming conditions, by trained and compassionate personnel, can help restore hope for the future among survivors of sexual violence. 

Yet, this type of care is all too often not available for these survivors, especially in places that are currently experiencing, or have been affected by conflict and crisis. 

In Burundi and South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Tumaini project works alongside communities and national institutions to build stronger local capacities for the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence, and specifically to improve women’s, adolescents’, and children’s access to information and services. 

In Burundi, the Tumaini project is implemented by the Dr Denis Mukwege Foundation in collaboration with the consortium – Unité de santé internationale and Hygeia observatory of Université de Montreal and also Panzi Foundation – and other international partners such as Lawyers Without Borders Canada.

What is the Tumaini project?  

Representatives of the Mukwege Foundation and the consortium meet with Tumaini project partners in Bujumbura.

The project grew out of an existing partnership that began in 2019 between the Mukwege Foundation, Panzi Foundation and key partners in the country.

“Based on the urgent needs and the strong commitment of the national actors we left  with thestrong determination to do more – to strengthen our support  to ensure ensure survivors receive the care and dignity they deserve”- Katrien Coppens

In January 2026, the Mukwege Foundation, with the technical support of USI and a local construction firm, began renovation works at the Seruka and Humura centres in Bujumbura and Gitega. These two centres will be renovated to ensure they meet physical space requirements for quality, compassionate care. The works are expected to be completed by June 2026. 

From 20-24 April, representatives of Global Affairs Canada, USI, Panzi Foundation DRC and the Mukwege Foundation visited both centres and met with survivors and partners in Bujumbura and Gitega. This year, the Tumaini project will also strengthen the capacities of four Burundian partner structures in the Bujumbura, Gitega, Muyinga and Kayanza regions.

Ongoing works at the Humura Centre in Gitega, Burundi.

Our team will support the Seruka Centre in Bujumbura, Humura Centre in Gitega, the Integrated Centre in Muyinga and the Kayanza General Hospital. Together, we will work to provide quality, holistic care to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence across our medical, psychosocial, legal and socioeconomic pillars.

Each centre will benefit from medicines and materials, direct support for activities and technical accompaniment to strengthen the delivery of and access to survivor-centred care.

Tumaini will also : 

• ensure that SGBV professionals are trained and capacitated to ensure quality survivor-centred care,
• contribute to awareness-raising efforts on the community and national levels, to prevent sexual and gender-based violence and promote awareness about available services, and 
• work with adolescents and youth on awareness-raising strategies and to promote access to services. 

Joint visit marks progress

Survivors gathered at the Humura Centre in Gitega, Burundi.

During the visit to the sites, we witnessed the progress in the renovation works and were impressed to see the efforts made to allow for a continuation of services during the renovations, as survivors were participating in group activities at the centres.

As part of the visit, the Tumaini project coordinators shared plans for the next phase. Together, we discussed priorities and recommendations for adaptations, alignments, co-creation and joint implementation throughout the duration of the project.

The representatives of both Seruka and Humura centres shared their satisfaction with all the work that had begun on the project, especially the renovations

“On voit déjà des changements dans notre structure grâce au projet dont les conditions d’hygiène pour nos survivant.es” – Coordinator, Centre Humura

“We are already seeing changes in our organisation thanks to the project, particularly in the improvement of hygiene conditions for survivors.“

The participants also highlighted the value of the first training organised earlier in April. They highlighted the best practices within the Panzi model that may be adapted to the Burundian context, to strengthen survivors’ access to quality holistic care. 

What’s next?

In the coming months, partners will benefit from training, tools, coaching and supervision, and will be able to begin caring for survivors with support from the Tumaini project. We expect works to be completed by mid-year at the Seruka and Humura Centres, and all the four sites will receive their donations of medicine and materials. 

Thank you

We extend our sincere gratitude to Affaires Mondiales Canada/Global Affairs Canada, Unité Santé Internationale – Hygiea, Panzi Foundation DRC, Lawyers Without Borders Canada, Global Strategies, and the Humura and Seruka centres, as well as our institutional partners in Burundi.