By Achel Baysenge; Edited by Leanna Cappiello
Chanelle, 12 years old, dropped out of school so she could work to support her family in a time of famine. There is hardly ever enough food, as her community is often hit by drought, leaving villagers hungry.
Burundi is among countries with the highest levels of food deprivation. Chanelle's community experienced an early rainy season too early in the year, which made for dry crops and desperate farmers.
Chanelle's brother also dropped out of school to work. He left home for a sugar cane plantation a few miles away from his home. It wasn't the first time he had quit school in search of financial stability. Whenever famine struck in the area, he took responsibility to fend for his family. Chanelle remember this fondly about her brother.
One day, months after his third drop-out of school, he returned home extremely ill. Upon reaching a hospital, he died of Malaria, leaving his grieving sister and mother behind. Chanelle and her family needed more support than ever.
With the help of World Vision, a food program was put in place to support vulnerable families coping with hunger and food deprivation. Each family is supplied with maize, vegetable oil and salt each month. has partnered with affected families to help them increase crop production, dig ditch contours, plant trees and construct roads for farming in the coming seasons.
Chanelle's mother says she hopes the support will continue for her family, her community and all families that haven't yet been reached.
Moving forward, World Vision has partnered with affected families to help them increase crop production, dig ditch contours, plant trees and construct roads for farming in the coming seasons.
Chanelle’s mother says she hopes the support will continue for her family, her community and all families that haven’t yet been reached.
Give families a source of
income and nutrition with agriculture training, seeds and tools.