Due to the civil war in Burundi, Savin Nsabiyumva fled with his family to Tanzania in 1993. They were initially placed in a refugee reception center called Kirerema where they awaited registration to obtain refugee status. In 1995, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees relocated them to the Mtabila Refugee Camp, where Savin was separated from his parents and lived with his grandmother. He faced a difficult and challenging life in the camp, becoming a street child who struggled to find shelter and food. He resorted to alcohol, tobacco, and theft to survive. In 2008, when the Tanzanian government decided to close all schools in the Mtabila camp for the repatriation of refugees, Savin returned to Burundi. Today, he has created Concern for Children in Prison with core mission of addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by children in the prison system in Burundi
Savin’s motivation to focus on children in prison stems from his own experiences as a street child and his observations of the challenges faced by children in similar situations. Having spent time in the Mtabila Refugee Camp and witnessed the difficulties faced by children in such environments, he developed a deep empathy for vulnerable children, including those affected by parental incarceration. He recognized the need to provide support, care, and opportunities for these children, and that drove him to establish Concern for Children in Prison.
His idea to create this organization originated therefore from his own experiences and observations of the hardships faced by children living in prison or affected by parental incarceration. « I recognized the lack of support and resources available to these children and felt a strong desire to make a positive impact in their lives”, he says.
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Activism for the rights of children in prison
Concern for Children in Prison aims to defend the rights of children living, born, or having lived with their mothers in prison, as well as the rights of children whose parents are incarcerated and other vulnerable groups. « The name “Concern for Children in Prison” reflects the organization’s core mission of addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by children in the prison system in Burundi. Therefore, it envisions to improve the lives of children affected by parental incarceration in Burundi », he reveals.
The organization provides support and assistance to kids living with their mothers in prison, as well as children whose parents are incarcerated. It works towards ensuring these children’s rights are protected, their basic needs are met, and they receive access to education, healthcare, and social services. « By focusing on this vulnerable group, Concern for Children in Prison aims to create a positive impact on Burundian society by breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration and promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for children.”
Motivation driven from his own experience
Starting the organization was not without its challenges. However, Savin initially faced financial constraints and limited resources, which made it difficult to establish and sustain the organization. He did not let these obstacles deter him. He reached out to like-minded individuals and rallied support from his peers to gather resources and create the association. Savin’s determination and passion for the cause helped him overcome these challenges.
Savin takes pride in the impact that Concern for Children in Prison has made so far. The organization has been able to provide assistance to kids living with incarcerated mothers, ensuring they have access to essential needs and early childhood development. « Our organization has also been able to support children with parents in prison by providing educational opportunities, psychosocial support, and advocating for their rights within the criminal justice system. However, there are ongoing challenges, such as limited resources and societal stigmatization of children with incarcerated parents, that require continuous efforts to overcome », he puts.
The Concern for Children in Prison’s work has received recognition and support from various organizations and institutions. The organization has partnered with local and international NGOs, government agencies, and community stakeholders to collaborate on projects and initiatives. This has enabled Savin to participate in different conferences, panel discussions, and speaking engagements to raise awareness about the rights and needs of children in prison. Through these efforts, he has been able to generate support and mobilize resources for the organization’s activities.
A better future for children in prison
Concern for Children in Prison operates through a combination of fundraising, grant applications, and partnerships with other organizations. They rely on the generosity of individuals, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic foundations to secure financial resources. Additionally, the organization seeks grants and funding opportunities from government entities, international organizations, and grant-making foundations that align with their mission and goals. « The funds obtained are used to support various programs and activities, including education, healthcare, nutrition, and psychosocial support for children », Savin confides
Savin envisions a future where the rights and well-being of children affected by parental incarceration are fully recognized and protected. He aims to expand the reach and impact of Concern for Children in Prison by establishing partnerships with more organizations and institutions, both locally and internationally. He also plans to advocate for policy changes and reforms that prioritize the rights of these children within the criminal justice system.
Ultimately, Savin’s goal is to create a society that supports and empowers children, regardless of their parents’ incarceration status, and provides them with the necessary opportunities to thrive.
