On Thursday, 13 November 2025, the Burundian Association for Family Welfare (ABUBEF) and its partners in the Right Here Right Now 2 (RHRN2) consortium officially closed a major programme that has made a significant contribution to the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights in Burundi. After five years of implementation, the project leaves behind results described as ‘more than excellent’ by those involved and millions of young people who have been positively impacted in the long term.
Funded by the Dutch Government through Rutgers, RHRN2 was implemented in Burundi from 2021 to 2025 by a consortium of seven civil society organisations, namely: the Burundian Association for Family Welfare (ABUBEF), the Association of Young Burundians for Integral Development (AJEBUDI), the Association for the Promotion of Burundian Girls (APFB), the Association of Guides of Burundi (AGB), the NTURENGAHO association, the Association of Women with Disabilities ‘LES VAILLANTES’ (AFHLV), and the National Network of Young People Living with HIV (RNJ+).
A crucial programme for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents and young people
According to Dr Donavine UWIMANA, Executive Director of ABUBEF, the programme has contributed to improving the socio-political environment in favour of the reintegration into school of young girls who become pregnant while attending school., thanks to coordinated work in four areas: Information and education, public support, political advocacy, and strengthening civil society.
She highlights in particular the progress made in reintegrating teenage mothers into school, which is the result of ongoing dialogue with the ministries responsible for education and health.
Call for sustainability: preserving achievements for future generations
The National President and Legal Representative of ABUBEF, Ms Delphine MANIRATUNGA, praised the programme's vision: " support young people aged 10 to 24, improve their access to information and strengthen coordination between stakeholders for a lasting impact ».
She called on technical and financial partners to continue the work they have begun in order to sustain the achievements of a project that has transformed the lives of thousands of young Burundians.
It should be noted that RHRN2 has been active in five former provinces: Bujumbura Mairie, Gitega, Kirundo, Rumonge and Kayanza, but is also part of a national and international initiative covering ten countries.
Results exceeding expectations: the impact in figures
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer, Dr Faustin NSABE, presented quantitative results described as ‘exceptional’, with several indicators exceeding 100% of their targets.
Track 1: Information and education on SRHR
- 426 facilitators trained, the majority of whom are girls
- Over 12,880 young people reached offline and 210,000 online.
- 22.8% of beneficiaries were young people living with disabilities or marginalised.
- Youth spaces, school clubs and digital platforms have enabled the production of interactive content and the free expression of young people.
- SDSR content generated between 1.3 million and 3.5 million views per year.
- 4.3 million young people reached through media broadcasts.
- Translation of the ESBEA module into sign language and Braille, ensuring inclusion.
Track 2: Public support
A “critical mass” has been created through community and digital campaigns, involving over 400,000 young people online.
Track 3: Political advocacy
- 18 dialogues with decision-makers and opinion leaders.
- 15 advocacy initiatives, including the OyaNiOya, NiDroitYanje, DutezurireKare, AyoMabi and Twaragwiriye campaigns.
- A formal commitment by elected officials to reintegration into school.
- Revision of the time limit and simplification of procedures for the reintegration of girls who are victims of early pregnancy.
- An oral question session in the National Assembly on this issue.
Track 4: Strengthening civil society
Partner organisations have been strengthened by:
- Transformative Approach to Gender,
- Youth participation in governance,
- Prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse,
- Advocacy techniques,
- Creation of movements and alliances.
This collective effort has helped reduce unwanted pregnancies and foster a lasting intergenerational dialogue.
Powerful testimonials: a real change in young people's lives
The National Coordinator, Jean Bosco HABARUGIRA, emphasised the importance of digital platforms, which have enabled young people to ‘dare to ask questions, break taboos and seek advice in complete confidence’.
The testimonials collected demonstrate the appropriation of the content:
- young people seeking guidance after unprotected sex,
- use of educational videos,
- young women sharing their experiences to enlighten their peers.
For Dr Faustin NSABE, the quantitative results illustrate ‘a positive change in behaviour and the emergence of young ambassadors for SRHR’.
The voice of beneficiaries: renewed hope
Ms Emelyne NSENGIYUMVA, beneficiary and facilitator of the programme, expressed her gratitude: " Thanks to this programme, we have learnt things we could not even imagine before. We will pass on this knowledge to other young people. ».
and Jeanne IRAKOZE with several slams carrying positive SRHR messages. At the end of the programme, a youth movement called Jeunesse Active pour la santé sexuelle et reproductive (JASSR) [Active Youth for Sexual and Reproductive Health], represented by Ms Nora Queen KWIZERA, was set up to continue the work carried out by the young SRHR ambassadors from the member organisations of the RHRN2 Burundi consortium.https://youtu.be/v4bTav4k_W4?si=FqL1STSjNtxO9X5uand Jeanne IRAKOZE with several slams carrying positive SRHR messages. At the end of the programme, a youth movement called Jeunesse Active pour la santé sexuelle et reproductive (JASSR) [Active Youth for Sexual and Reproductive Health], represented by Ms Nora Queen KWIZERA, was set up to continue the work carried out by the young SRHR ambassadors from the member organisations of the RHRN2 Burundi consortium.
Long live ABUBEF, long live sexual and reproductive health!
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