Sometimes impact begins with a single question.
In November 2024, Teddy Hervé Nkurunziza, head of the Gender-Based Violence Protection Programme of SADC — the Anglican Church’s social development organisation — contacted Petra Institute after seeing our God, My Baby and I course on our website.
His question was simple:
“Would it be possible to present the course in person in Burundi, or attend online?”
That question became the beginning of a journey of healing, restoration, and multiplication.
Online training commenced in early 2025. Later that year, in November, further in-person training took place in Bujumbura, facilitated by Marie-Jean Brink. Among the participants was a woman named Nukuri*.
A Life Marked by Pain
Nukuri writes:
“My name is Nukuri*. I am married to Didier*, and I have seven children. *(Not their real names).
My life was very difficult. My husband often beat me, sometimes in front of our children, and there were times when I had to run away naked to protect myself. My whole family suffered, and we all carried deep emotional wounds.
I was fortunate to benefit from the services of the SADC Safe House. Even though I left my home several times, I returned because of my children, as I wanted to be with them.”
Her story reflects the reality faced by many women and children living in environments shaped by fear and trauma. The emotional wounds ran deep — not only for Nukuri, but for her children as well.
A Turning Point
At the end of 2025, Nukuri participated in the training My God, My Baby, and I.
She continues:
“This training made me realise that I have not been giving enough love to my children. I asked each of them for forgiveness, and I began to be more present, to understand them, and to communicate with them positively. I also realised that God has a wonderful plan for them, and that I could accompany them on this path with love and patience.”
Something shifted.
Healing began in her heart — and flowed into her home.
Her children quickly noticed the difference.
“My 15-year-old daughter, Audreille, and my 13-year-old son, Edgar, asked me why I had changed. I explained to them that it was because of the training.”
Her children were so impacted that they encouraged her to meet with the SADC team and share her experience directly.
Nukuri shares honestly:
“My husband has not completely changed, but the frequency of his violence has decreased. Despite this, I continue to work for our safety and the well-being of my children. Today, I can say that my life and the lives of my children have improved.
I have learned to give them love.
I have learned to be present.
I have learned to communicate with them.
And above all, I have learned to reconcile with them.
SADC has given us true hope and a space to heal together.”
These are Nukuri’s own words.
Healing… Restoration… and Multiplication
But this story does not end with one mother.
It is a story of multiplication.
- Seven trainers have now been trained.
- Seventeen mothers have been equipped.
And through each of them, children are being reached, families are being strengthened, and cycles of brokenness are being interrupted.
What began as one email inquiry has become a movement of healing in Burundi.
The cycle continues:
HEALING.
A wounded heart encounters truth and hope.
TRANSFORMATION.
Relationships are restored. Children are loved with new intentionality.
MULTIPLICATION.
Leaders are equipped. Mothers are trained. Communities are strengthened.
And it will keep repeating.
