"Nabo Ni Abacu": When the community awakens to the inclusion of children with disabilities
With UNICEF’s support, the SOJPAE–IADH consortium and “Les Vaillantes” promoted the inclusion of children with disabilities in Muyinga, supporting their social and academic integration through family,community and educational support
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In the commune of Muyinga, in north-eastern Burundi, a quiet but profound transformation is underway. Led by UNICEF and its civil society partners, the “Nabo Ni Abacu” project, which means “They are ours”, has brought renewed hope to children who had long been marginalized because of their disabilities. Through family, community and educational support, this project has promoted the inclusion of these children in social and school life
A love rediscovered: the story of César and his mother
In Muyinga, Perpétue is now considered a model of inclusive parenting. Yet not long ago, she rejected her son César, who has an intellectual disability. Perpétue bore the burden of stigma in her community and accusations from her husband, who blamed her for their child's disability, for a long time.
A few years ago, César, stigmatized at school, marginalized within his own family and deprived of affection, ended up running away from home. He crossed the border and stepped into Tanzania.
During the implementation of the “Nabo Ni Abacu” project, volunteers and model parents heard about César for the first time during their home visits. Perpétue was then enrolled in a capacity-building programme on inclusive education. For her, this was the first step towards awareness.
Shortly afterwards, César returned to Burundi with a disability certificate issued by the Tanzanian police. This document, proof of recognition and protection abroad, made Perpétue reflect deeply. “I was shocked to realize that strangers had treated him with humanity, while I, his own mother, had rejected him,” she confides.
Since then, everything has changed. César now lives peacefully with his family. He helps with household chores and dreams of returning to school. “Today, I am no longer mistreated or discriminated against. I want to resume my studies,” he says hopefully.
He aspires to become a member of parliament or a fashion designer, and Perpétue, now his greatest ally, fights every day to defend his rights.
As a sign of her commitment, she bought him a plot of land: “The family sold their share because he was “different”, but I'm going to build him a house,” she says proudly.
Perpétue represents transformation. Her story demonstrates that with compassion and the right support, a mother's love can heal even the deepest wounds.
Abdoulazak's long journey
On Kibogoye hill, Aisha watches over her son as if he were a fragile treasure. Abdoulazak, 13, also has an intellectual disability. When he was born, he did not cry. At 20 months, he still could not walk. The first signs worried the family, but they had to insist that the health services take them seriously.
At the centre for people with disabilities in Muyinga, a walking device was made for him. Thanks to this, Abdoulazak got up and walked. At two and a half years old, he said his first words: daddy, mummy. Despite difficulties integrating into nursery school, Aisha did not lose hope and continued to care for her son with kindness. Encouraged by model parents advocating for the inclusion of children with disabilities and awareness activities under the “Nabo Ni Abacu” project, Abdoulazak is beginning to get involved in domestic life. The family bought him a goat, which he takes care of. He also does other small paid jobs and contributes to family life.
“He is very proud of what he earns, even if he gets the amounts wrong,” his mother says with a smile. “Yesterday, I earned 3,000 FBU!” Abdoulazak exclaims. “No, it was 6,000,” says his mother with a laugh, correcting him.
Aisha, now a member of a solidarity group, is saving so that her son can one day buy more animals. Thanks to the awareness activities carried out as part of the project, attitudes towards Abdoulazak are beginning to change – he is increasingly seen not as a burden, but as a capable and valued member of his community.
Liliane returns to school
In Kwibuye, 11-year-old Liliane was taken out of school by her father over a year ago, concerned about her physical fragility and safety. Diagnosed with motor impairment, Liliane had difficulty walking without crutches and assistance. “She often fell, and I was afraid she would be swept away by the water,” explained her father.
Her family, who were struggling financially, could not afford to buy her crutches. When a community worker from the “Nabo Ni Abacu” project heard about Liliane, she received a pair of crutches adapted to her needs, a school kit, and support from the school.
Her father then agreed to let her return to school. Two months after the start of the school year, Liliane joined the class. At the end of the first term, she ranked 23rd out of 60. In the second term, she was 13th. “I realized that I had taken away her rights. She learns without difficulty,” he admits.
Her return inspires the entire school, where an awareness session on inclusive education was organised. Supported by her classmates, fulfilled and motivated, Liliane now dreams of becoming a teacher so that she can, in turn, support other children like her.
Individual stories, community progress
Through the stories of César, Abdoulazak and Liliane, the entire community of Muyinga is learning to see things differently, to recognize the dignity and rights of children with disabilities.
These are not isolated stories. Thanks to the “Nabo Ni Abacu” project, 246 children were identified across the municipality, 124 benefitted from educational support, 41 from mobility devices and 14 families from assistance for income-generating activities.
Investing in inclusion means investing in a fairer and more sustainable future for everyone. These stories remind us that inclusion goes beyond policies or an ideal: it is a matter of human right, of justice and of hope for generations to come.
