Rêves des Enfants Project is changing lives in Burundi

The Rêves des Enfants project in Burundi aims to promote a multisectoral early childhood development package with a focus on the first 1000 days of a child. It has been a source of hope for many families in Kayanza where the project is being implemented. A joint delegation from the government and UNICEF visited the project this year to see the impact firsthand.

Maternal and child health services
The first stop is the Rwegura Health Centre, a place that has transformed maternal and child health services in the community. It supports pregnant women, from antenatal consultations to assisted childbirth, vaccination and birth registration. Thanks to the project, the health centre has introduced an interoperable system allowing seamless birth registration. Aditionally, a new latrine block has been constructed, providing better sanitation for mothers and children. Nearby, a stimulation and early-learning area has been created, where young children can play and learn, building essential skills.

“Before, we had to travel long distances to register our children, often missing deadlines. Now, everything is done here at the health centre, and it has made life so much easier for us,” a mother shares with a relieved smile.

Nutrition and cognitive and social development
The second stop is a community-based nutritional training centre, where a group of mothers is engaged in a nutrition and behaviour change training session. Among them is a mother who once feared for her child’s health: “A few months ago, my son was weak and unresponsive. He had lost weight, and I didn’t know what to do. But when I brought him here, the caregivers provided us with nutritional support and guidance. After just twelve days, he regained his strength. Today, he is healthy and playful again,” she recounts.

The training centre treats malnourished children and supports them in rehabilitation so they can recover fully. Beyond nutrition, the centre also features a stimulation area, where children are encouraged to explore, play, and interact—critical elements for their cognitive and social development.

Since the start of Rêves des Enfants in 2024, the project has given hope to many children and families in Kayanza. Help a Child is committed to continue working together with its partners Help Channel and SAD to ensure no child is left behind.