BURUNDI Youth Conference Event

“Empowering Our Youth in Culture and Tradition.”

The International Burundian Women Organization (IBWO) successfully hosted a two-day Youth Conference in Burundi, bringing together over 200 participants, including youth and leaders from across the country, as well as guests from Australia and the USA. The event aimed to inspire dialogue, encourage personal development, and create connections between youth in Burundi and those in the diaspora.

The following activities were on the agenda:

On Friday 27^th of June, 2025, the IBWO BURUNDI Youth Conference Event opened with a prayer, followed by welcoming remarks from the Director of IBWO, Izera MAZAMBO, who introduced her team and highlighted the purpose of the conference. Government representatives were also present, including a spokesperson for the Mayor of Bujumbura, who officially opened the event by expressing support for the diaspora-led initiative and encouraging the youth to listen carefully and apply what they would learn. Other leaders, including the Communications Officer and the Lead of PAEEJ, Professor Désiré MANIRAKIZA, emphasized the importance of changing the mindset of youth, encouraging entrepreneurship, and using creativity to explore opportunities beyond formal employment.

Participants received t-shirts, notebooks, and pens to support their involvement. One of the key sessions featured open discussions from youth living in Australia and the USA, who shared their personal experiences about life abroad. They explained that while opportunities exist outside of Burundi, living overseas also comes with challenges—such as exposure to drugs and other negative influences. Their message was clear: personal values, vision, and discipline matter more than location. Burundian youth echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of building a future at home and asking for more understanding and support from parents—especially when young people choose paths different from their parents’ expectations.

Victoria IRAMBONA, President of IBWO USA, gave a presentation on mental health and youth struggles, encouraging healthy coping mechanisms and open dialogue about difficult issues. The IBWO Director, Izera MAZAMBO, also spoke to Burundian leaders, urging them to welcome diaspora volunteers who want to contribute to national development.

After lunch, the youth were divided into groups to discuss key questions such as: “What are the major issues facing our country?”, “What solutions can we offer?”, and “What are we changing after everything we’ve learned?” These group discussions were guided by team leaders, and each group later presented their insights. A separate group of parents discussed how to better support their children, both emotionally and morally, to help them avoid harmful influences. Day one was concluded with a vibrant Q&A session, where many young people asked thoughtful and challenging questions.

On Saturday 28^th of June, 2025, the event focused on personal testimonies from youth and leaders in the diaspora and Burundi. Participants from the USA and Australia shared how they started with small steps and grew gradually through hard work and perseverance. Their stories highlighted that success is possible with the right mindset and consistent effort, whether in Burundi or abroad. The focus was on staying grounded, avoiding distractions, and taking responsibility for one’s own growth.

The conference ended with a moment of recognition and appreciation. IBWO presented gifts to those who had contributed to the success of the event, including mothers who mentor local youth and the youth leaders who gathered participants from different regions. Each person who attended the conference received a small envelope as a token of gratitude.

Overall, the conference provided a space for meaningful exchange, encouragement, and learning. It helped bridge the gap between local and diaspora youth, while raising important questions about mindset, opportunity, and

personal responsibility. As the conference came to a close, one important question remained in everyone’s mind: “What are we changing after everything we’ve learned?” For many participants, it marked the beginning of new ideas, connections, and a renewed sense of direction.