Bujumbura — In a country where access to preschool education remains a luxury for many underprivileged families, the Free Baptist Church of Burundi stands out with an innovative and transformative initiative: the PEPE Burundi program (Preschool Education Program).

Launched in October 2024 and actually  present in several provinces across the country with over eight active units, PEPE welcomes children aged 4 to 5 from poor and marginalized backgrounds—often overlooked by public policy. Far from being a mere educational program, PEPE is a space for integral development, preparing children not only for primary school but also for life.

According to Pascal Ndayikeza, National Coordinator of PEPE-Burundi, the program offers a comprehensive approach: oral and written learning, spiritual values, nutrition, oral hygiene (POPE), health monitoring, environmental protection, and even an introduction to agriculture through “study fields” maintained by the children; which make this program to be a holistic method aims to shape responsible, confident citizens who are aware of their dignity.

You will know that one of the most remarkable components is PEPE VAI, a complementary project involving home visits to ensure the social, emotional, and spiritual follow-up of the child. These visits also serve as opportunities to share the Gospel with families, contributing to lasting community transformation.

“During the 2024–2025 school year, more than 58 families were visited in the north of the country, and many were evangelized by our missionary educators,” said Celeman Nduwimana, Regional Coordinator of the program in northern Burundi.

To date, 139 children have graduated from PEPE and joined the formal school system. For the coming year, the program plans to welcome over 400 children. This work is carried out in close collaboration with local churches and communities, demonstrating an active faith serving education, social justice, and development as stated by the National Coordinator.

When “The Baptist Chronicle” asked him about his Vision Ahead, The National Coordinator of PEPE Burundi said that PEPE Burundi is working to expand into more provinces and train additional missionary educators with the support of the Free Baptist Church of Burundi. 

“Our prayer is to see every child in Burundi regardless of background introduced to the love of Christ early in life, preparing them to be future agents of transformation in their communities.” —stated Ndayikeza. 

What are key Activities done in 2024–2025 ?

According to the National Coordinator of this program, since its launch, PEPE Burundi has taken meaningful steps to integrate into the social and spiritual fabric of the nation. 

In December 2024, PEPE Burundi joined the international initiative, inviting diverse professionals to serve the children in various units. Among them were dentists, doctors, environmental activists, hygiene specialists, and sports coaches who dedicated their time and skills to care for and educate children in both spiritual and practical ways.

He also highlighted the celebration of PEPE International’s 24th Anniversary.

He said: “On this significant occasion, two PEPE units gathered at Kayanza Parish in March 2024, alongside children’s parents and community leaders to celebrate the global impact of PEPE.”

According to him,  all those days were  filled with joy, praise, testimonies, and renewed commitment to growing the program in Burundi.

About PEPE Burundi

Launched in October 2024, under the leadership of the Free Baptist Church of Burundi (EBLB), PEPE aims to impact the lives of children holistically—spiritually, intellectually, physically, and emotionally—while simultaneously reaching out to their families and communities with the Gospel of Christ.

PEPE Burundi’s mission is  to bring the love of Jesus to young children by providing early childhood education in underserved areas where access to formal preschool is limited or non-existent. Beyond education, the program is deeply rooted in its missionary nature, believing that when a child is reached for Christ, their entire family becomes accessible to the Gospel.

PEPE Burundi doesn’t limit its mission to classroom walls. Through its outreach initiative known as PEPE VAI (Visiting and Assisting Families), missionary educators are trained and supported to visit the families of children, share the Gospel, and offer guidance, especially in communities where formal preschools cannot be established due to financial or infrastructural challenges.

This approach ensures that PEPE becomes not just a learning center, but a missionary platform touching entire households.

PEPE Burundi is not just a program. It’s a movement—raising a generation of children for Christ, one unit, one family, one heart at a time.

Learn more about PEPE Network : https://pepeglobal.org/