Philemon Bigirimana grew up as the fifth child in a family of eleven children, in the modestly comfortable parts of Bujumbura. Life at home was filled with warmth and the daily reality of a large household. “It was a good childhood, but not without its challenges, especially for my parents who had to care for all of us,” he shared.
His father, a businessman who imported goods from different parts of East Africa, made sure the family had what they needed. They attended good schools and lived in the city, but what shaped Philemon were the values quietly modelled in their home.
Each evening, his father would gather all eleven children for family prayer before bed. “I didn’t like it back then, it felt long like another church service,” he laughs. “But I always looked forward to it because we’d watch TV with Dad afterwards.” It was during those moments that a quiet fascination with leadership started to grow. “I loved watching presidential debates. I was amazed that someone could stand confidently and defend their views.” That curiosity led him to watch other shows that helped improve his English and public speaking.
Inspired, he served as a class representative year after year until he finished secondary school, preparing him for a future in leadership.
Growing in Leadership
At 16, Philemon’s path took a more defining turn. He had just finished exams and wasn’t sure what he wanted from life. “I was a Christian, but more because that’s what was expected of me. I had no direction and honestly, I was afraid of the future.” That’s when his older brother introduced him to New Generation Burundi during a school holiday. He joined New Generation’s youth club, and everything changed. “My life took a 180° turn. Even my family noticed. I became focused and responsible. By 18, I was already taking charge of things at home.”
It was in these early years at New Generation that Philemon met Dieudonné Nahimana, its founder, who became a mentor and played a key role in helping him grow. “He pushed me. He saw my potential and made sure I didn’t waste it.” As Philemon began discovering his purpose, he started stepping into leadership. Sometimes, even leading teams of people twice his age. “There were things I used to be intimidated by, initiatives I never thought I’d be part of, and suddenly I was the one leading them!”
He reflects on the early leadership lessons he learnt along the way. “I once had an idea for a project when I was just 19. I pitched it to a hotel manager, and they thought I was mad,” he smiles. “But the idea was solid, and the event ended up happening. Those moments helped me grow and encouraged me that I was heading in the right direction.”
Raising a New Generation
Today, at 33, Philemon serves as National Coordinator for New Generation. It’s a significant role that he’s held for the past 2 years, now leading a young, dynamic, and passionate team.
For Philemon, this isn’t a job; it is a calling. “It’s a challenge every day, but I love it. We’re working to serve young people who’ve been overlooked, many of them street-connected children. My dream is to see a Burundi where every child grows up in a home, where no child lives on the street, and where every young person gets an education.” Among these wonderful young people, he sees future leaders, and wants to give them the best opportunity to fulfil their potential in the way, just as he had.
Philemon believes that partnerships are built on a shared purpose. “Together we see the potential of the Burundian youth; we want to engage with people who believe that transformation is possible.” At New Generation, leadership is collaborative, and everyone is encouraged to grow, personally, professionally, and spiritually. “We invest a lot in training, mentorship, and discipleship. Everyone in the team should feel connected to the mission. That’s what keeps the vision alive.”
Looking ahead, Philemon is hopeful and full of expectation. “We’re already seeing it, young people who went through our leadership youth clubs are now becoming leaders in politics, business, and beyond. That’s what excites me. I want to continue seeing our vision, not only being heard, but actively lived out.”
When he’s not leading teams or shaping vision, Philemon values rest, travelling and spending time with God, which helps him stay grounded and refuelled for the mission that God has given him.
