Rutana, Burundi – June 15, 2025

In a vibrant and well-attended ceremony on June 15, 2025, Global Relief Services (GRS) officially handed over a newly rehabilitated basketball and volleyball court to the local community in Gitaba Zone, Rutana Commune. The initiative is part of GRS’s broader commitment to empowering communities through education, sports, and youth engagement.

The event began with a warm welcome from the Chief of Gitaba Zone, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to GRS for its support:

“We are honored to host this event and welcome our friends from GRS and the entire community,” he said. “This rehabilitated sports ground will serve as a symbol of unity, youth empowerment, and healthy living. We sincerely thank GRS for this wonderful contribution.”

As part of the ceremony, a friendly volleyball match was organized between the youth teams of Kivoga Zone and Ngoma Zone to demonstrate the usefulness of the newly restored facility. The spirited match showcased local talent and the enthusiasm of the youth, with Kivoga Zone emerging as the winner.

The occasion was further graced by a British partner of GRS, who applauded the work done to support the community and stressed the importance of compassion and unity:

“Supporting one another and showing love is a way of honoring God,” she remarked. “Empowering young people through sports and community engagement creates long-lasting impact.”

Following the match, a reception was held to celebrate the event. During the gathering, the “Man of the Match” was recognized and awarded a special gift in appreciation of his outstanding performance.

The handover of the rehabilitated sports court stands as a testament to GRS’s dedication to building stronger, healthier communities. By investing in recreational infrastructure, GRS not only promotes physical activity and youth development but also fosters community cohesion and pride.

Rutana, Burundi – June 15, 2025

In a significant step towards community development, Global Relief Services (GRS) officially inaugurated the Gitaba Community Centre on June 15, 2025, in Rutana Commune, Burunga Province. The initiative is part of GRS’s commitment to serving the local population by bringing essential services closer to the community.

The Gitaba Community Centre is designed as a multi-purpose hub that will provide access to a wide range of programs and services aimed at improving the quality of life for local residents. Its core objectives include:

1. Youth Supervision and Mentorship

2. Community Empowerment and Engagement

3. Access to Education Opportunities

4. Child Protection and Safeguarding

5. Other Development-Oriented Services

During the opening ceremony, several community leaders and stakeholders were present, including Mrs. Liz, a representative of the Baptist Church, who expressed her appreciation for the project. Speaking at the event, she emphasized the transformative role the centre will play in the lives of the people:

“This centre will be the pride of our community. It will open doors to knowledge, protection, and opportunity. Through various community projects, the Gitaba Centre will uplift and empower people from all walks of life.”

The establishment of the Gitaba Community Centre marks a new chapter of collaboration between GRS, local authorities, and community partners. It is expected to become a focal point for inclusive growth, where people—especially youth and vulnerable groups—can find support, education, and a sense of belonging.

GRS continues to reaffirm its dedication to sustainable community development by investing in grassroots initiatives that foster resilience, dignity, and opportunity for all.

This Wednesday, 7th May 2025, GRS continued its efforts to support and supervise the impactful work of weeding sweet potato and potato fields within the community agriculture program. This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to strengthen food security and promote inclusive local development.

More than just a farming activity, this effort is a powerful tool for social cohesion, bringing together members of the community—especially women and other marginalised groups—in a spirit of solidarity, collaboration, and mutual support. By working side by side in the fields, participants not only contribute to the cultivation of essential crops but also build meaningful connections that foster unity and trust within the community.

GRS is proud to stand with these resilient individuals and continues to create safe, inclusive spaces where empowerment, dignity, and shared responsibility thrive. Through these kinds of field-based initiatives, the organisation helps lay the foundation for both sustainable agriculture and stronger social bonds.

As part of its mission to empower vulnerable communities, GRS is leading an agricultural revolution in Matutu, Rutana Province, through the development of a 7-hectare model farm. This land serves as a hands-on training centre where local farmers are taught modern, climate-smart farming techniques and coached on the use of high-yield seeds. The aim is to significantly increase harvests, ensure food security, and end hunger in the region. Beyond subsistence farming, GRS also promotes the cultivation of exportable cash crops, generating income and foreign currency to support Burundi’s economic development and capacity to import essential goods.

To strengthen local resilience and promote inclusive development, GRS is establishing a modern Community Training Centre in Gitaba Zone, Rutana Commune, located in the newly created Province of Burunga, South-Eastern Burundi

The purpose of this new centre is to offer community-focused training and support in the following key areas:

• Social Behaviour Change: Promoting positive attitudes and practices for harmonious living.
• Skills Development: Equipping youth and marginalized groups with vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
• Psychological Counseling and Orientation: Providing care and guidance for victims of gender-based violence.
• Youth Space: Creating a safe, engaging environment for young people to learn, connect, and express themselves.
• Capacity Building: Strengthening community capacities for sustainable development and self-reliance.

This initiative reflects GRS’s ongoing commitment to transforming lives through education, empowerment, and community support.

As part of its community empowerment efforts, GRS organized a vital agricultural activity on Friday, May 2, 2025, in the locality of Matutu-Gitaba, Rutana. Under the supervision of GRS, community members engaged in weeding sweet potato and potato crops planted as part of a model agricultural initiative.

This modern plantation serves as a practical learning field for local farmers and acts as an agricultural school for the entire Gitaba-Matutu community. The weeding session was not only a farming activity but also a platform for promoting social cohesion. Community members had the opportunity to reflect on values such as mutual support, collaboration, and unity.

Given that over 90% of Burundi’s population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, such initiatives are crucial. They contribute to improved agricultural practices, increased productivity, and strengthened community bonds. Through this activity, GRS is supporting food security, knowledge sharing, and sustainable development in rural Burundi