In Burundi, many children and young people live without adequate parental care. Poverty, socio-political crises, and limited access to essential services such as education and healthcare continue to place families under pressure. It is estimated that between 600,000 and 610,000 children are deprived of parental care.
While the government, civil society, and international organizations are working to strengthen child protection systems and promote family-based care solutions, significant challenges remain, particularly in terms of resources and community-level support.
A family-based solution within the extended family
In 2021, SOS Children’s Villages in Burundi introduced kinship care as an additional family-based care option. This approach ensures that children and young people without parental care or at risk of losing it can grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing family environment.
Kinship care provides full-time care and protection within the child’s extended family network. Care may be provided by grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, cousins, step-parents, or another adult relative who is able to assume responsibility for the child.
This care option complements other alternative care services already implemented by SOS Children’s Villages in Burundi, including family-type care, foster care, and supervised independent living.
Strengthening the alternative care system
Since its introduction, kinship care has enabled SOS Children’s Villages in Burundi to provide alternative care services to 369 children and young people between 2021 and 2025. These interventions are implemented through programmes in Bujumbura, Cibitoke, Gitega, Muyinga, and Rutana.
By diversifying care options, kinship care strengthens the national alternative care system and expands the ability to respond to children’s individual needs in their best interests.
Preserving bonds, identity, and belonging
Care by relatives allows children to remain in a familiar environment, surrounded by people they know and trust. This approach:
Through kinship care, SOS Children’s Villages in Burundi works alongside families and communities to ensure that children and young people grow up with the bonds and support they need to become their strongest selves.