Community Rise

08/05/2026

Thank you Andika Magazine for the media coverage and for amplifying this important conversation. Our event brought together key stakeholders to advance inclusion, accessibility, and the well-being of students with disabilities, marking an important step toward building more equitable and inclusive systems in Burundi. Thank you to all partners and participants who made it possible.
Fondation Roi Baudouin Great Lakes Outreach U.S. Embassy Bujumbura, Burundi Michigan State University Humphrey Fellowship Program

08/05/2026

Thank you Yaga for the media coverage and for amplifying this important conversation. Our event brought together key stakeholders to advance inclusion, accessibility, and the well-being of students with disabilities, marking an important step toward building more equitable and inclusive systems in Burundi. Thank you to all partners and participants who made it possible.
Fondation Roi Baudouin Great Lakes Outreach Michigan State University Humphrey Fellowship Program U.S. Embassy Bujumbura, Burundi

10/04/2026

Real change happens when partnerships come together with a shared vision.

Community Rise was honored to support Camp Possible 2026, empowering amputee women in Burundi through sport, leadership, and trauma healing.
Through the Voice+ Project, we are committed to amplifying the voices of young people with disabilities and creating pathways for their full inclusion and participation in society.
We are grateful to all partners who made this impactful initiative possible.
Read more: https://community-rise.org/index.php/2026/04/09/empowering-the-unstoppable-voices-of-women-at-camp-possible-2026/

Michigan State University Humphrey Fellowship Program Fondation Roi Baudouin Segal Family Foundation Union Européenne au Burundi U.S. Embassy Bujumbura, Burundi UNFPA in Burundi Great Lakes Outreach Simon Guillebaud Speaker/Author Mo Ibrahim Foundation

19/03/2026

On Tuesday March 17,2026 We were honored to welcome Dr. Fred Sorrells , Founder of Operation Go Quickly and Bernadette Niyoyitungira, to the Community Rise office in Bujumbura.

Operation Go Quickly is a faith-based mission organization based in Texas, USA. The mission of Operation Go Quickly is to fulfill the mandate of Christ found in Luke 14:21 by mobilizing the body of Christ to serve people with disabilities in the less economically developed countries worldwide.

Dr. Sorrells is leading impactful work worldwide to promote amputee football as a powerful tool for inclusion, dignity, and empowerment of persons living with disabilities. Through his organization, Operation Go Quickly, he is creating opportunities for individuals to regain confidence, build community, and challenge stigma through sport.

At Community Rise, our mission is closely aligned — advancing inclusive community development and empowering the most vulnerable, especially young people and persons with disabilities, to reach their full potential.

This visit was a meaningful moment to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore collaboration opportunities that can amplify our impact. Together, we believe in the power of partnerships to create lasting change where inclusion is not just a goal, but a reality.

To close the visit, Dr. Sorrells and our Founder, Ndihokubwayo Jimmy , held an inspiring conversation on inclusion and the power of community-driven change. A video of this discussion will be shared soon.

We are excited about the potential of working together to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities in Burundi and beyond, and to contribute to global initiatives such as the 2027 Women’s Amputee Football World Cup.


Great Lakes Outreach Fondation Roi Baudouin Michigan State University Humphrey Fellowship Program Union Européenne au Burundi U.S. Embassy Bujumbura, Burundi Sintuka Ramadhani UNICEF Burundi UNFPA in Burundi UNV Burundi Global Health Corps Regional Leadership Center East Africa House Of Africa Mo Ibrahim Foundation Kanziza Linda Raïssa

09/03/2026

In February 2026, Community Rise Leader Ndihokubwayo Jimmy had the privilege of visiting inspiring initiatives across Burundi alongside the Fondation Roi Baudouin Burundi Liaison Officer . From inclusive education at Centre Kanura to mental health support at BADEC-Caritas Ngozi, agricultural empowerment at AGAKURA, cultural heritage at Musée National de Gitega, and digital skills at Free Tech Institute, we witnessed how community-driven solutions transform lives.
These visits reinforce our mission: empowering youth and persons with disabilities through Voice+ and other programs, creating opportunities, inclusion, and lasting impact. Together, we can build a Burundi where every young person thrives.

For more details:
https://community-rise.org/index.php/2026/03/09/learning-from-community-innovators-in-burundi/
Michigan State University Humphrey Fellowship Program Union Européenne au Burundi Nzoyisenga Fikiri Miti Sintuka Ramadhani Great Lakes Outreach U.S. Embassy Bujumbura, Burundi Regional Leadership Center East Africa Wokovu Way : Building their Future. CENAP - Centre d’Alerte et de Prévention des Conflits Andika Magazine

Pictures: T Photography257

02/01/2026

11/12/2025

11/12/2025

13/11/2025

On November 10,2025 We were honored to welcome Simon Guillebaud Speaker/Author , Founder of Great Lakes Outreach (GLO), and the GLO Team to the Community Rise office. The delegation was received by our Founder and Executive Director, Ndihokubwayo Jimmy and the Community Rise team, who shared the organization’s journey, impact, and ongoing projects.

GLO has been walking alongside us since 2018, as our first and long-standing partner, playing a pivotal role in our growth and innovation. Through challenges and milestones alike, their unwavering support has enabled us to strengthen communities, empower change, and pursue our vision with renewed hope.

As this was Simon’s first visit to our office, we offered him a symbolic artwork , a reflection of the hope and transformation that define our shared journey. We remain deeply grateful to GLO and Simon for their trust, prayers, partnership, and friendship in advancing lasting impact in Burundi.


U.S. Embassy Bujumbura, Burundi Union Européenne au Burundi Regional Leadership Center East Africa B.O.D CENAP - Centre d’Alerte et de Prévention des Conflits Michigan State University Humphrey Fellowship Program Fondation Roi Baudouin Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State Segal Family Foundation Wokovu Way : Building their Future. Tearfund

03/11/2025

“To reach the point where fear no longer controls you, turn your talent into a habit.”

During Rise Talk 2025, Shofan Niyirema , Professional Singer, Producer, and Musician, shared his journey of transforming creativity into a lifestyle — and then into a profession.
He reminded young dreamers that success begins with discipline, perseverance, and faith in one’s own talent — even when family or society doesn’t understand your path.
“When you live your talent every day, it becomes your strength — and fear loses its power.”
At Community Rise, we continue to stand with young creators, helping them unlock their potential and transform passion into purpose.
Great Lakes Outreach U.S. Embassy Bujumbura, Burundi Global Development Community Burundi CENAP - Centre d’Alerte et de Prévention des Conflits B.O.D

31/10/2025

On October 16,2025 ; Community Rise proudly brought together 60 passionate young people for an inspiring edition of Rise Talk, held under the theme “Art as a Profession.”
Through powerful testimonies from changemakers Boshirwa Melchisedeck , Founder and CEO of Andika Solutions, and Shofan Niyirema a professional Singer, Producer, and Musician, participants explored what it truly means to follow one’s passion, overcome fear, and transform talent into impact.
The atmosphere was electric — filled with stories of resilience, creativity, and purpose-driven leadership.

Our guest speakers shared invaluable insights on youth empowerment, innovation, and self-belief, reminding everyone that real change begins when we dare to start with what we have.

The conversation was masterfully moderated by Ndihokubwayo Jimmy , Founder and Executive Director of Community Rise. Among the distinguished participants were Joas IRAHOZA , Chairperson of the East Africa Youth Parliament; Egideson Ndu , CEO of Maison Marius ; and the dedicated team of HSAM Group led by its CEO — all contributing to the richness and depth of the dialogue.

Rise Talk is more than an event — it’s a movement of young leaders and dreamers who choose to rise together, learn together, and believe that every dream is valid.

A heartfelt thank you to HSAM Group for sponsoring the event, and to all our participants, speakers, and partners who made this moment truly unforgettable.

At Community Rise, we remain deeply committed to empowering youth across Burundi and beyond — nurturing creativity, leadership, and opportunity for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Great Lakes Outreach Michigan State University Humphrey Fellowship Program U.S. Embassy Bujumbura, Burundi CENAP - Centre d’Alerte et de Prévention des Conflits B.O.D Union Européenne au Burundi Michigan State University Humphrey Fellowship Program Regional Leadership Center East Africa Andika Magazine B A A Media