We invite you to see the photos below, read the captions and learn more about resilience before answering the questions on this page.
1. Burundi Red Cross.
The rapidly growing population of 8.5 million is largely engaged in agriculture, with the majority subsistence farmers. Healthcare is poor, characterised by high morbidity and mortality rates.
Environmental factors increase vulnerability caused by population growth in a subsistence economy.
Burundi Red Cross mobilises units in 98% of the country’s nearly 3,000 communities, totalling some 300,000 volunteers. Volunteers meet weekly to identify vulnerable people in their communities and meet their needs. They also carry out activities to reduce shared vulnerabilities.
Photo: Balthazar Bacinoni/Burundi Red Cross
2. Burundi Red Cross #2.
“When I broke my leg Red Cross volunteers dug my field. I would have had to sell it in order to eat otherwise.” It is noticeable that many Red Cross units include many people who would be understood as particularly vulnerable people in Burundian society: widows with children, old people and disabled people. The reason is that membership of the network is seen as a safety net for people who have few other forms of support.
Photo: Balthazar Bacinoni/Burundi Red Cross
3. Burundi Red Cross #3.
Volunteers mainly carry out simple agricultural activities for which they have the skills and the tools: digging fields for old people, collecting water and firewood for sick people, building houses and repairing houses for returning refugees. They take sick people to hospital, and often pay medical fees for people who cannot afford them.
Photo: Balthazar Bacinoni/Burundi Red Cross
