FEATURED TESTIMONIAL

Sylvestre Nibitang (director)

How It Came to Life: Growing Step by Step

What began as a small step of faith has become a living testimony of God’s provision and purpose.

In 2012, as a young man with a burden on his heart, Sylvestre Nibitanga felt called to serve the children in his community—children who lacked education, stability, and hope. This calling was deeply personal. As a child, he himself slept on the floor alongside other young children, knowing firsthand the hardship, uncertainty, and lack of care so many still face today. But God would use his story for something greater.

With nothing more than faith and a willingness to say “yes,” Sylvestre began helping however he could, trusting God to make a way.

What started small—just a few children and a simple vision—began to grow. Through prayer, perseverance, and the support of faithful partners like Equipping the Nations, that vision took root and flourished. Year after year, God opened doors, provided resources, and brought people alongside the mission who shared the same calling.

Then, in 2024, what once seemed impossible became reality. By the Lord’s grace, Tumaini Children’s Home and School—“Tumaini,” meaning Hope—was built in Bujumbura, Burundi. Today, it stands as a beacon of hope, serving 250 students with education and providing a safe, loving home for 40 children, all cared for by 17 devoted teachers who pour into their lives each day.

Today, Sylvestre’s life is a testimony of transformation. He is now the headmaster of the school, a devoted husband to his beautiful wife, and a loving father to two children. Yet his mission continues to grow. He is now leading the effort to purchase land and build a boarding school—creating a place where children can receive not only education, but consistent care, nourishing food, and the opportunity for long-term stability and financial independence.

This is more than a story—it’s a testimony. A testimony of faith that didn’t give up, of a vision that didn’t fade, and of a God who continues to provide.

And the story isn’t finished yet. With every prayer, every partnership, and every act of generosity, the mission continues to grow—reaching more children, restoring more lives, and building a future filled with hope.

WELCOME SPEECH –PARTNERSHIP VISIT 16th,Janvier 2026
TUMAINI / HOPE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
BUJUMBURA PROVINCE– MUGERE COMMUNE – RUZIBA

Distinguished guests, each honored according to the grace God has bestowed upon you;
Esteemed visitors from the United States of America ;
Representatives of the Government and Education Authorities;
Respected teachers and staff ;
Dear parents and beloved students;
Fellow citizens and friends of this school;

Peace, development, and quality education be upon our country, and most especially here at
Tumaini, also known as Hope Christian School.

First and foremost, with deep gratitude and humility, allow me to invite you to join me in
giving glory to Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who has granted us life, peace, and the
privilege to gather here today for this very important occasion.
Today is a day of great joy, honor, and thanksgiving for our school community. We are
especially blessed to welcome our dear partners and friends from the United States, who have
traveled a long distance to visit us. Your presence here is a strong sign of love, commitment,
and shared vision. You are not visitors only—you are partners in this mission, and we warmly
say: Welcome home.

We have gathered today to welcome this guests who strengthened the strongest foundation of
this school as well as the ceaseless efforts to the future of Hope Christian School.
Since receiving authorization to operate in accordance with Burundi’s education laws in 2017,
beginning with a nursery school, and expanding in 2020 to a fundamental school, this
institution has continued to grow step by step through faith, sacrifice, and partnership.
Today, by God’s grace and through your generous support, Hope Christian School has become
a boarding school, hosting more than 200 children, the majority of whom come from
vulnerable families, including orphans and children from low-income households.

This school is more than an academic institution. It is a place of refuge, hope, discipline, and
transformation. Here, children not only receive quality education but are also nurtured
spiritually, morally, and socially, preparing them to become responsible citizens and futurs
leaders of Burundi regarding its big vison 2040-2060 as an emerging and developed country.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education, to Pastor Andy
Clark and his wife, to our friends and churches in the United States, especially Hope Point
Church, and to all individuals who have stood with us faithfully.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to Charles Bright for his critical support in the water drilling
project, which addressed a major challenge our school and community were facing.
Distinguished guests,
As this school continues to grow, so do its needs. Being a boarding school, reliable electricity
is now an urgent necessity—to ensure lighting, security, proper water pumping, and a
conducive learning environment. We also need to expand our infrastructure, including
dormitories, classrooms, a dining hall, sanitation facilities, and staff housing. Looking ahead,
our future plans include:

1.Expanding boarding facilities to accommodate more vulnerable children
2.Continuing spiritual formation through Bible education and Grace Bible School
3.Installing electricity and sustainable energy solutions
4.Increasing water capacity to serve both the school and surrounding community
5.Establishing a computer lab to equip students with digital skills
6.Developing a library and learning resource center
7.Strengthening vocational and life-skills training

These plans align with our shared vision of raising children who are academically competent,
spiritually grounded, and socially responsible, capable of contributing to Burundi’s Vision
2040 and 2060.
To our dear partners and guests from the USA, we humbly and respectfully invite you to
continue walking with us. Your support has already changed lives, and with your continued
partnership, many more children will find hope, dignity, and a future.

To the parents and community members, we thank you for your trust and cooperation. We
encourage you to help us protect and maintain the facilities entrusted to us, for they are a
blessing to all.

To our beloved students, you are the reason we are here. Walk in discipline, listen to your
teachers, honor your parents, and keep your faith strong. You are the hope of tomorrow.
In closing, allow me once again to thank each and every one of you for honoring us with your
presence today and for standing with Hope Christian School.

May God bless you all abundantly.