How Slovenes are changing lives and restoring dignity thousands of miles away

Sisters and volunteers from Slovenia are transforming lives thousands of kilometers away through humanitarian efforts in Africa, according to reports from local media. Sister Vesna Hiti, who has been working in Burundi for over three decades, highlights how these initiatives provide essential support to communities in need. The project, known as Za srce Afrike (For the Heart of Africa), has been active for 21 years and continues to bring aid and dignity to some of the world's most vulnerable populations. This year’s campaign runs from August 15 to September 15, with donations enabling critical projects such as building schools, providing medical care, and supporting families through sustainable livelihoods. The impact of these efforts can be seen in countries like Uganda, Madagascar, and Burundi, where Slovenian charities have made a tangible difference. In Uganda, one man, once left disabled due to a severe infection, regained his independence after receiving a goat through a donation drive. Now, he raises goats and sells them to support his two children. Similarly, in Madagascar, a devastating fire destroyed over 600 homes in the village of Manambondro last autumn. Local organizations, including Caritas and the Missionary Center, responded swiftly by distributing rice to affected residents, helping them endure the hardship. Jana Lampe, head of international aid at Caritas Slovenia, shared stories from her recent visits to African villages, emphasizing how small acts of generosity can change lives. She described meeting a woman whose face lit up with joy upon touching a wall illuminated by a solar-powered light, a simple yet life-changing gift in regions where darkness sets in early. These experiences underscore the importance of sustained humanitarian work, which goes beyond immediate relief to empower communities. In Madagascar, missionary Janez Mesec has spent 25 years working with local communities. He highlighted the success of the Z delom do dostojnega življenja (Work Toward Dignified Living) project, which provides employment opportunities rather than just handouts. Under this initiative, 19 families are engaged in regular work, supported by monthly contributions from 872 donors in Slovenia. This funding helps sustain around 370 poor families in Africa while also paying 33 teachers and 15 healthcare workers stationed at mission sites. Caritas has expanded its efforts further with campaigns such as Kupim kozo (I Buy a Goat), which has enabled over 8,800 families to acquire livestock. Last year, the organization launched another initiative called Kupim motiko in semena (I Buy a Plow and Seeds), aimed at improving food security and dietary diversity among the poorest farmers. These programs reflect a long-term approach focused on education and health, areas identified as crucial for lasting progress. Sister Vesna Hiti emphasized the dire state of education in Burundi, where classrooms often hold over 100 students. Thanks to donations from Slovenian supporters, new kindergartens and schools are being built in areas like Muhvazi. These institutions ensure children receive basic hygiene training and prepare them for formal schooling, giving them a chance to break free from cycles of poverty. A planned expansion will turn the kindergarten into a nine-year primary school, benefiting approximately 500 children with quality education. The efforts of Slovenian volunteers and donors continue to make a profound impact across Africa. Whether through providing medical care, educational infrastructure, or economic opportunities, their work is reshaping lives and restoring dignity to countless individuals. As the Za srce Afrike campaign progresses, more communities are expected to benefit from these ongoing humanitarian efforts.