The Head of State, His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye and his family, paid a visit to the “Kezakimana-Vie Nouvelle pour la Réconciliation” (VNR), an orphanage located in Nyabiharage quarter, in Gitega province, managed by the Sisters of the Reconciliation Missionaries.

The Presidential Family made this visit with the aim of helping the children of this center to celebrate Christmas with joy.

In his speech, the President of the Republic seized this opportunity to advise Burundian families to take care of at least one orphan or one vulnerable person per family in order to ease the burden for orphanages and elderly centers.

He said the Government is currently analyzing the possibility of supporting orphanages and elderly centers as they greatly contribute to the state’s mission of assisting the vulnerable. In this regard, the Head of State indicated that a fund for supporting these centers has been set up.

His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye congratulated the Archbishop of Gitega for the initiative which should serve as a model and inspire all Burundians. He encouraged Bishop Simon Ntamwana to increase these charitable works for the well-being of vulnerable people.

The Head of State further asked the Burundian servants of God to fully play their role by changing the mentalities of their people and imploring the Holy Spirit to help strengthen the spirit of love and pity in the Burundians.

To close the celebration of Christmas, the Head of State shared meals and drinks with the elderly, the most deprived, of Kibimba hill, in Giheta commune, of Gitega province.