Dushime Benitha

Dushime Benitha (15), is from Burundi. Growing up in a marginalized community in Burundi, Dushime saw firsthand how limited access to education, health, and protection left many children vulnerable. Watching peers face violence, neglect, and exclusion sparked a deep sense of justice and a commitment to change things for good.

Through FEPAD Burundi, Dushime helped lead awareness campaigns, running community workshops and school sessions to teach children, parents, and local leaders about children’s rights and protection from violence. Dushime also empowered children to speak up in local decision-making forums, giving them a real voice on issues like education and sanitation. Together with the FEPAD team, Dushime helped establish child-friendly safe spaces where children could report abuse, access mentorship, and simply be kids, while also partnering with parents and authorities to create child protection committees for faster response to rights violations.

The impact has reached over 1,500 children across Burundi, through 20 awareness workshops, 5 decision-making forums, and 7 safe spaces built within schools and communities. Through consistent action and courage, Dushime is helping build a Burundi where every child’s rights are protected, not just promised.