This blog post is a transcript put together after an interview with Mothers’ Union Burundi Co-ordinator, Claudette Kigeme, in August 2020. Claudette leads the Mothers’ Union / Five Talents Literacy and Savings Groups programme in Burundi.
Claudette (right) at a Savings Group meeting. Picture by: Ross Oscar Knight.
Question: What makes you passionate about the work that you do and about literacy & numeracy training?
“I was born and grew up in Burundi, where I can see the difficult conditions people are living in, especially women. The reason I feel passionate about literacy & numeracy training especially is that I understand how challenging it is to be illiterate. As a Christian just imagine how you would feel if you were unable to read the Bible. Many people have been coming to church hearing the sermon and what was read on Sunday, but were not able to read by themselves when they go back home. This was a frustration, and when they get this chance [for literacy & numeracy training] you understand how it’s easy for them to jump on that opportunity.
While I was educated many women did not have that chance, I think that it is by the grace of God that I became educated. At the same time it was a preparation for the work that I am doing today. To understand my blessings I feel that I must also embrace others; this is what’s passionate in me - because I have been given to give.”
Question: What was education like for you in Burundi?
“In Burundi there is first education from parents, but also there is formal education which equates to going to school. And we know that especially in the old time, and even now, that not many girls do have the chance to go to school. The kind of education that we receive in our families can help someone be empowered or hinder their own development. For example, girls get education which sometimes puts them not on the same level as boys. For me I was blessed to be in a family which gave me all the opportunity, starting from home but also at school, to use all my potential.”
Claudette attending a meeting in Burundi. Picture by: Ross Oscar Knight.
Question: You have previously said that you’re not a teacher, you’re a facilitator. Could you explain the difference?
“To me, a teacher is seen as an expert who provides already-made notes to his audience. But a facilitator helps his audience to bring out knowledge that they already have. Savings Group members discuss matters relevant to their lives; they are the most experts of their living conditions that they can be. When they are discussing solutions to their problems they know what can work and what can’t work in their context. I only help them with the tools and they make their own choices and their own decisions. The reason I say I am just facilitating and not teaching is because I can not say that I am an expert in their situation and all the surrounding situations.”
Question: What do you think training gives the literacy groups & the Savings Groups beyond skills? When you see these groups evolve do you see a change in their confidence or in their outlook?
“The literacy & numeracy training we provide transforms the Group holistically. They work together in transparency, as everyone now can read and write. When people are working transparently you see that everyone is open. The members become empowered and they are able to use their potential because we see that those who used to be desperate regain self confidence, dignity and hope for the future. You see that they develop mutual support and a good relationship.
We ask members about the impact of the programme, and you always hear that they talk about the love which they have. That those who used to be lonely now have friends. It is really empowering them and bringing them unity in the Group. You feel it’s not only a business of money but it’s become a second family.”