Gitega Diocese, east of Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura, was created in 1985 and since then has been led by Bishop John Nduwayo.

Following a long period of ethnic conflict and civil war the diocese now faces many of the challenges that are familiar to the country as a whole – reconciliation, education and leadership. Consequently these are the priority areas for CMS Ireland’s partnerships in Burundi.

The diocese has an established network of churches on the ground that enables it to reach into the hearts of communities and work for transformation.

There are a total of 25 individual parishes with 129 sub parishes but less than 50 ordained clergy. The smaller daughter churches are cared for primarily by non-ordained church workers, called ‘Catechists’. It is vital that these people have the skills to work for lasting change, at grassroots level. The need for equipped and spiritually empowered local leadership is clear. Much of CMS Ireland’s work in recent times has concentrated specifically on this area – with a focus on training and evangelism at the top of the agenda in Burundi.

Many of the Catechists are trained at Buhiga Bible School – which has recently been refurbished as a consequence of the 2004 CMS Ireland Annual Project, ‘Shine’ – while Bible training is also provided at local church level through the TEE (Theological Education by Extension) system.

TEE started in Gitega diocese in 1999 with a small pilot group and has grown rapidly over the years. CMS Ireland currently supports this work, on an ongoing basis, as we look to help the Church train leaders for today and tomorrow.

At present CMS Ireland is also helping the Church address the hugely significant issue of education. Two of the schools provided by the province-wide Irish Aid scheme are situated in Gitega. Additionally, CMS Ireland has also been involved in providing finance to complete the building of Mushasha Youth Centre, to provide vocational training and skills to young people.