Godeberthe Ntimpirangeza is a young woman of 20 years who grew up in Mwaro, a province in the heart of Burundi. Mwaro is known as the only region in the country where the tribes have lived together in peace, yet even there the Batwa are marginalized and treated poorly. Godeberthe found herself, a bright young woman, in a peaceful village that still prevented her from reaching her potential.

But those around her recognized her inner strength and indigenous intelligence. She worked hard to stay in school, but it was not easy without a proper home, clean water or reliable funds for school fees and books. She was enduring the ridicule and still excelling in classes like math and science. Community For Burundi representatives knew she was a perfect candidate for the Batwa Education Project… believing a stable environment would allow her to exceed all expectations.

Godeberthe wants to complete her secondary education and pursue studies in medicine. She wants to return to the villages of Mwaro and educate others about the important matters of health that will help them improve their lives and prevent illness. She knows things as simple as drinking clean water and washing properly can help her community move toward better health. And she wants to offer them the healthcare that she and her family did not have access to growing up, bringing progress to her community.

Those in the Community For Burundi home often comment on Godeberthe’s cheerful demeanor around the house. She is always in good spirits, singing and thanking God for the change in her life since coming to the house. She has never lived in such a home, with new friends, ample food, water and electricity. Everyday she laughs for the sheer joy of her circumstances!

She looks forward to someday buying a large home like the Community For Burundi home – because she wants to have enough room to welcome in students and help them pursue their education, as she is being given that opportunity now. She is already dreaming of helping others in so many ways!