Education

From the very beginning, Touch the Nations has been rooted in education.

In 2001, just after the civil war in Sierra Leone, Katja and two artist friends visited the civilian amputee camps. They sketched portraits and listened to survivors’ stories. When we asked, “If we can sell these portraits to raise money, what would you want most?” — the answer was immediate and unified:

“We want our children to learn. The teachers are already here in the camps. Please give our children a chance to go to school.”

In Burundi, after the war and before a children’s home could be purchased, many children were still living on the streets, fending for themselves. With early support, we were able to pay a teacher three days a week and provide meals for the children on those days. The rest of the week, they continued begging to survive.

Now, 25 years later, we’ve built multiple schools and ensure every child in our four homes receives a quality education. We also provide ongoing scholarships—supporting both boys and girls—so more children can have a future filled with hope and opportunity.