Transforming Lives, One Village at a Time.

Since 2006, we have focused on bringing clean water and transformative change to Burundi. Working in a single, small country means it is easy to track the long-term impact of our systems.

THE NEED

Burundi is one of the poorest countries in the world. It has the 12th highest child mortality rate globally, and those deaths are primarily due to preventable, water-borne diseases. Water-borne contaminants are the leading cause of death overall in Burundi. Over 3 million Burundians will require aid this year, but certain government regulations make it very difficult for non-governmental organizations to operate there, making the need greater still. Our unique knowledge of the area, and our partnerships there, enable us to provide clean water to thousands of Burundians every year.

The Gazelle Foundation’s very long-term goal is to help Burundi climb out of the bottom ten in the United Nations Human Development Index, and we feel this is possible by providing hundreds of thousands of people with access to clean water.

20 Facts About Burundi and the Impact of Clean Water

1. Waterborne diseases are the leading cause of death in Burundi.

2. Burundi has the 12th highest child mortality rate in the world.

3. Burundi is the poorest country in the world.

4. Most people in Burundi live in rural, mountainous areas that are difficult to access.

5. Less than 5% of the population in Burundi has access to electricity.

6. Due to certain regulations, it is very difficult for most charitable organizations to operate in Burundi.

7. The Gazelle Foundation is able to operate in Burundi due to our unique structure and on-the-ground partnerships.

8. Our clean water systems improve health, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases by 65% in some instances.

9. The availability of clean water taps creates shorter, safer walking distances, especially for women and children.

10. Our systems reduce the average distance to clean water by nearly 4 miles (round trip, per day).

11. The water systems stimulate the local economy through direct employment and the purchase of local materials.

12. Clean water improves school attendance. 

13. Every $1 invested in clean water systems yields $4 - $12 in economic returns.

14. In 2023, we completed 4 water systems.

15. These 4 systems bring clean water to 6,650 people.

16. Overall, we have provided clean water to 128,760 people.

17. We have invested over $2.73 million in clean water projects in Burundi.

18. We have created 5,088 jobs.

19. We have provided clean water to 57 schools, churches, and hospitals.

20. We have built a community of the best supporters in the world (that's you!).

We’ve accomplished a lot, but there is still much to do.