Our recent visit to Burundi took us to several Digital Unify Centers, where we aimed to assess their current state and explore opportunities for improvement to better serve the local communities.
“We were pleased to find that the equipment, sourced from ST’s refurbished devices and shipped to Burundi, was in good condition,” admits Enrico Riva, our ST Foundation referent for Africa. “However, a consistent challenge across most centers was the notably slow internet speed. While the infrastructure was generally well-maintained, connectivity issues hindered optimal performance. For this reason, we are working to find a convenient solution with a local connectivity provider.”
At the center, EU Ambassador Elisabetta Petrobon, with Enrico and Rene
A significant highlight of our trip was meeting with the EU ambassador to Burundi, Elisabetta Pietrobon. “This meeting underscored the importance of international collaboration in advancing digital literacy and education—an integral aspect of our Foundation’s mission,” said Rene Michel Munyembari, ST Foundation’s country manager for Burundi. “The ambassador expressed strong support for our initiatives and emphasized the EU’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities in Burundi. Together, we discussed strategies to enhance the impact of the Digital Unify Centers, including potential funding and resource sharing to improve internet connectivity and expand course offerings.”
Our journey was not without its challenges. Our representatives faced logistical difficulties, including long queues for gasoline and navigating the challenging terrain of mountainous regions to reach the centers. These experiences underscored the need to strengthen our local partnerships to ensure sustained commitment and support.
One of our key collaborations is with UNICEF, which began in 2015 during Sierra Leone’s Ebola epidemic. At that time, we provided equipment to create a unique emergency hotline, establishing a partnership that remains strong today. This collaboration has since led to impactful IT projects, such as training 10,000 girls in IT skills and installing computer labs in various schools.
We are inspired by the resilience and potential of the Burundian people. Despite the challenges, we remain committed to overcoming obstacles to provide better resources and opportunities. Strengthening our partnerships and enhancing our infrastructure will be essential in achieving these goals.
