Hope Burundian Community Co-operative
Fresh, Healthy Food Direct From Farm to You
Note: The farm will not be in operation 2011.
Who are we?
The Republic of Burundi is a small land-locked rural country in eastern Africa. One of the 10 poorest countries whose people survive on subsistence farming. The country has struggled with civil unrest between its tribes for generations. Over 3/4 million of our people have lived in refugee camps, some since the 1970s.
The USA has welcomed and given a fresh start to us since 2006. Our small group of 15 families now live in the greater Seattle area.
What are we doing?
The Burundian community’s farming skills helped us provide for our families in the camps. In Seattle, King County Burst for Prosperity is helping us to broaden our skills and create other work opportunities.
We are working with WSU Extension, King County Agriculture Program, Northwest Cooperative Development Center and Washington CASH to help our families grow farm crops to feed and support our families.
Our Goals
We have started a new producers cooperative for the farming enterprise. The Hope Burundian Community Co-operative has the following goals:
- To help new refugees successfully integrate into our new homeland
- To strengthen the ties of friendship and offer our art and culture with the people of Washington
- To promote socio-economic opportunities to Burundians by providing training, technical assistance to start and grow community businesses and institutions
The first business project of the Co-op is a farm operation. The Co-op is leasing 10 acres in the Kent Valley. The produce is ready to sell in mid September. All food is pesticide-free.
If you are interested in learning about different ways you can help, please contact Stephen Reilly at the Refugee Farming Project, a program of Burst for Prosperity, at 206-527-3884.
For More Information
Burst for Prosperity – http://www.burstforprosperity.org
or
Serges Hakizimana
President of Hope Burundian Community Cooperative
206-412-0781
sergesh@chs-wa.org
or
Celestine Sibomana
Farm Manager
253-951-9497
sibomana.celestin@yahoo.com
