A Voice for the
Children of Burundi
In the world’s poorest nation, children endure severe hardships with alarmingly high mortality rates.
Smile Burundi works to combat deadly child malnutrition with our 2-3 year live-in program offering nutrition, care, and education.
We are the sole charity in the region of Kayanza offering this ray of hope.
Our Calling, Our Story
After a century of civil and political unrest, Burundi faces significant challenges for its people who face illness and malnutrition.
Smile Burundi’s journey began in 2013 when Romanian doctor Bianca Voinescu and photojournalist Radu Andreescu met in Burundi. Bianca was volunteering at a hospital when she decided to help Jules, a severely malnourished boy. While, Radu, inspired by a calling to actively aid those in need from his field work in Syria, joined the effort
wholeheartedly.
Their mission started small, using personal funds to support Jules, and soon other children arrived. By the fourth year, they were supporting nine children, with assistance from friends and churches in Romania. Today, Smile Burundi has a home caring for 24 children and is a registered UK charity as of March
2024.
At Smile Burundi, we cherish every life, believing that everyone is made
in the image of God and therefore has intrinsic value.
Plans to Build Bigger
Our home is currently at full capacity and unable to accommodate more children. To address this urgent need, we aim to build a larger home that will double our intake capacity. Additionally, we plan to add a school to ensure that all the children in our care receive a proper education.
To make this vision a reality, we need to raise £150,000 by 2026. We are fortunate to have the support of an excellent builder who grew up in the village and is committed to the vision of helping its children. We have also gained the trust and approval of people in the community.
Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of these children. Together, we can create a brighter future for them.
The Smile Nutrition Program
We have helped over 100 children with our 2-3 year program, designed by Infectious Disease consultant and Smile Burundi founder Bianca. Critically ill children who come to us receive expert care to regain strength and return to their families. Despite high early-stage mortality risks, Smile Burundi offers a lifeline to many.
If you feel able and led to help, please get in touch or donate using the contact info on the back page. Each contribution brings hope and life to a small child who might otherwise know none.
Join us in making a difference and be part of a story of hope and transformation.