Association

“Without Saint Kizito, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The full potential of every step I’ve taken in my life since leaving Saint Kizito has been shaped by the education and support I received there.”

Fulgence Ndagijimana
Alumnus and President of the “Anciens de Saint Kizito” Association.

Institut Saint Kizito – a place of hope in the heart of Bujumbura

On the outskirts of the bustling city of Bujumbura lies a very special place: the Institut Saint Kizito. A school and boarding school that is far more than just a place of learning. Here, new opportunities emerge for children and young people who would otherwise have little chance.

Each year, 240 children attend classes. Of these, approximately 180 have physical disabilities.

More than just a school

The Institut Saint Kizito is committed to the holistic development of young people. It offers a high-quality education and is particularly geared toward children with physical disabilities.

But what truly sets the institute apart is its heart: the conviction that every child is valuable and deserves a future — regardless of background, financial circumstances or religion.

What We Do – Learning for Life

Our curriculum covers traditional school subjects such as mathematics, languages, science, and history. But beyond that, students learn what it means to take responsibility, show solidarity, and actively help shape the world.

Many children participate in choirs or sports clubs, discovering talents that extend far beyond the classroom.

Physical impairments

In many countries, food is a given. In Burundi, it is a daily challenge. About half of all children suffer from chronic malnutrition — with serious consequences.

Malnutrition doesn’t just mean “having little to eat.” It means a child isn’t getting what their body and brain need for natural development. Most often, the vicious cycle begins during pregnancy when the mother is undernourished. As a result, children are often born with physical limitations. Even after birth, many children lack the necessary and vital nutrients.

Other causes of physical impairments include injuries from accidents, the consequences of illnesses, and genetic disorders.

Proudly Looking to the Future

Anyone who visits Saint Kizito quickly realizes that these children and their zest for life change us as well. Despite their limitations, the children are curious, lively, and full of joy. They can learn, play, and feel like they belong!

With every day they spend at the Saint Kizito Institute, these children are building something that many thought impossible: a future filled with hope, dignity, and genuine participation.