When you were born, something that occurs in the life of most of the children in the world happened: your parents chose a name and then went to the registry office to make your birth official. Thus, a few hours after you were born, you became a citizen of your country: you got an identity!
It seems like a simple gesture, but in reality, not everyone goes through this process.
In some places it is common to find children without documents, without a registered name and even without knowing who they are.
Why are we talking about this today?
Today, September 12, the Church celebrates the Most Holy Name of Mary. This reminds us that the Mother of God had an identity: in Hebrew, Miryam.
“And the Virgin’s name was Mary,” says the Evangelist Luke (1:27)
Inspired by the life and work of the Blessed Mother, the Schoenstatt Fathers of Burundi, in Africa, created a few years ago the Girizina project, which means “Having a name” in Kirundi.
A project to give a name to vulnerable children
Girizina is a project that is part of the Mariya Arafasha (Mary Helps) Foundation in Burundi. It is aimed at children living on the streets or in socially vulnerable situations and is located on Mount Sion Gikungu, near the Schoenstatt Shrine in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Father Claudio Jeria explains: “We pick up the children from the streets and take them to the shelter. We register them, send them to school (some learn a trade) and work with their families to reintegrate them. After at least three years, the children return to their families and communities, where they continue to receive support from the project.”
Since 2007, a house has been built on the site that serves as housing for the children and as office space for the project.
The story of someone who made a name for himself and is now transforming society
Zenobe Izonderera joined the Foundation at the age of 10 and is now 30. He lived for six years in a shelter and then returned to his family (with his aunt, as he had lost his parents). He is originally from Kayanza, in northern Burundi.
The Mariya Arafasha Foundation helped him throughout his school and university studies. He graduated with a degree in Journalism and Communication and is currently working for a community radio station in Bujumbura as a music and concert broadcaster. In November 2024 he will marry his fiancée. There are many stories like his of lives transformed by the project.
Many children have no name
Father Claudio Jeria says that “street children often have no name, or their names are chosen on the streets.” He adds: “We give them back the dignity they lost on the streets because of bad habits (such as drugs, debauchery, excessive drinking, theft, etc.). Having a name is a symbol of dignity.”
Currently, the Girizina Project is run by the home’s director, a psychologist who coordinates the activities, a group of five volunteer psychologists who listen to and counsel the children, and a mother educator who also cooks and does the shopping.
They also take care of the spiritual aspect, as Father Claudio says: “We also give priority to religious education: reading the Word of God every evening before meals, attending mass, especially on Sundays, preparation for the sacraments for those who wish to receive them, etc. This religious aspect goes a long way in helping children overcome trauma.”
As of 2024, at least 1,500 street children have been helped. Those who wish to learn more about the Girizina Project and the entire Mariya Arafasha Foundation can visit the website mariya-arafasha.org
Translation: Maribel Acaron
