Mid-term evaluation
In April 2025, our project team, led by Mr. A. Dieudonné Serukabuza, Pax Christi International Africa Programme Coordinator, conducted a mid-term evaluation of the “Empowering Religious Sisters on Active Nonviolence and Peacebuilding” programme in three dioceses in Burundi: Bujumbura, Gitega, and Ngozi. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the progress of the trainings and gather stories of transformation from the ground and included visits to parishes, schools, and religious communities.
To read more about our programme for religious sisters in Central and Eastern Africa running from 2023 to 2026, click here.
The team met with over a dozen groups of beneficiaries and interviewed each trainer sister to understand the project’s personal and community-level impact. In several places, participants prepared songs and skits to creatively reflect on the themes of dialogue, conflict resolution, and nonviolent communication.
Key Results
In just three months, trainer sisters have reached 3,365 individuals:
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1,211 religious sisters and novices
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2,154 young people (girls and boys in schools)
This far exceeds the original expectations and reflects the deep commitment of the sisters, many of whom shared personal testimonies of transformation in their own lives and communities. Despite logistical challenges like poor road access and limited time in schools, they have continued to train, often going beyond their original target groups to include teachers, women’s groups, and local leaders.
In her testimony, Sr. Marie Goreth Ndikumana said:
With the training from Pax Christi on active nonviolence, and inspired by the example of Mr. Nelson Mandela who did not reject white people after his victory, I told myself in my heart to let go of the resentment and truly forgive this sister. Now, even if timidly, I can speak with her and offer her help.
A Vocation
One of the most moving findings was the sisters’ unwavering dedication: even after the formal project ends, they have pledged to continue the trainings as volunteers. For many, active nonviolence is not just a training module, it is a vocation.
Watch a few of their testimonies below.
The videos are in French, but automatic French subtitles are available. You can also choose automatic translation into English or your preferred language.
1. Click the CC (Subtitles/Closed Captions) button at the bottom of the video to turn on French subtitles.
2. To change the subtitle language:
– Click the gear icon (Settings).
– Select Subtitles/CC, then Auto-translate.
– Choose English or another language from the list.
A Growing Impact
Feedback from participants highlighted real behavioral change, improved communication, and greater confidence in addressing conflict nonviolently. Survey responses collected after each session confirmed this growing impact. One group in Ngozi, composed of lay people, police, and military personnel, expressed their appreciation through song and testimony, reminding us that peacebuilding is possible across all sectors of society.
In her testimony, Sr. Marie Claire Sinzinkayo said:
If I want peace, I must first give it to my neighbor, to my sisters , to every person. Our neighbors are not a burden, they are our brothers and sisters.
What’s Next?
Given the strong results and the enthusiasm on the ground, USUMA has recommended extending the project to the five remaining dioceses in Burundi. The need is clear, especially in areas experiencing domestic violence and social tension. We are encouraged by this momentum and deeply grateful to our sisters, whose leadership is shaping a more peaceful future for their communities.
Read more about our programme in Burundi by clicking on the previews below
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