Community Rise (formerly Tabitha Community in Action) exists to see Burundian communities rise from cycles of poverty, conflict and inequality into hope, resilience and purpose in Christ. Led by Jimmy Nshimirimana, their vision is rooted in the belief that every person, especially the most vulnerable, has God-given dignity and potential.
They work with widows, refugees, children, people with disabilities and families living in poverty through a range of practical and Jesus-centred programmes. These include:
- Education & Feeding: Vulnerable children are supported with scholarships, school supplies and monthly porridge distributions. This helps them remain in school, succeed academically and grow in confidence. Parents testify to seeing their children transformed both academically and spiritually.
- Women’s Empowerment: Through savings groups (VSLAs), financial literacy training and small business support, women who once felt hopeless are now able to provide for their families. Community Rise also runs vocational training programmes, equipping widows and young women with skills such as sewing so they can build sustainable livelihoods.
- Inclusion of the Marginalised: A growing part of their ministry is reaching out to people with disabilities and refugees, who often face extreme marginalisation. Community Rise is committed to ensuring these groups are not left behind but are fully included in opportunities for education, training and community life.
- Community Building & Leadership: The ministry invests in training staff, VSLA leaders and local volunteers in biblical servant leadership, prayerful decision-making and integrity in service. This strengthens the wider community and raises up Christ-like leaders.
The impact of this ministry is seen in stories like Aline, a young single mother who escaped gender-based violence. Through a VSLA group, she discovered leadership skills and now runs her own small business: “I used to feel hopeless, but God restored my dignity. Now I can care for my daughter and dream again.” Or Blaise, aged 15, who had dropped out of school due to poverty. With support, he returned to class and is now among the top five students in his year, dreaming of becoming a teacher.
In every challenge, Community Rise leans on God’s promise that His grace is sufficient, and they continue to see His provision at work.
