Trip to the Karambi Eco-Cultural Heritage–Kwa Miganda: Immersion into the Burundian Culture

One of Korerwas's cherished values is our commitment to educating ourselves, educating others, and sharing. It's an indisputable fact that as society evolves, the population grows, and technology expands, the younger generation are increasingly likely to become disconnected from the history, values, and rich culture that defined their heritage. The same culture that shaped our forefathers' lives.

It's in this scope that on July 4, 2025, in partnership with the Tujenge Scholars Program, Korerwa Burundi organized an educational trip, attended by 47 Tujenge Scholars and alumni and 4 staff members, to the Karambi Eco-cultural Heritage site in the commune of Martyazo, Mwaro Province. The goal of this trip was to seek a meaningful reconnecting experience with historical heritage of the "Burundian culture" and ancestral ways of living- a reality to which young people are not often exposed. We chose this particular place not only for the enriching historical and cultural learning experiences it provides, but also because it offers the opportunity to explore a local traditional-style botanical garden, which is an excellent way to learn more about traditional medicinal plants and engage with the local community.

Upon our arrival, Perpétue Miganda, the Chief Executive Officer of the site, personally welcomed us and shared a brief a history of the site and her motivations behind the creation of that space. She explained that this eco-cultural center was created on the land that belonged to her grandfather with the intention of preserving and teaching ancestral ways of life and wealth of Burundian culture. The lively, welcoming performance of traditional songs and dances by the members of the local community created a nice space to foster a genuine interaction with that community and kick off the awe-inspiring exploration. 

Welcoming ceremonies by the local community

The visit started with the exploration of the botanical garden, a place where traditional medicinal plants-not commonly found in nature- are preserved, studied for their effectiveness, and cultivated for use by the local community. With the help of the guides, students got the chance to learn about the names and purported benefits of each plant. Some of these plants included Umubirizi(Vernonia amygdalina), used to treat intestinal worms; Umunsaba, for the treatment of wounds; Igicuncu (Plectranthus barbatus), for the quick healing of women who have recently delivered; and Umushishiro (Zehneria scabra) to help women conceive. Umukubashengero and Umukundanya, believed to attract customers for the former and help unmarried women find husbands easily for the latter, won the prize of the most intriguing medicines found in the garden. Many of the attending students were surprised by the fact that plants they regularly encounter in their daily lives and often dismissed as weeds actually hold significant useful properties. 

Students discovering the botanical garden

The visit continued with a tour of the traditional household, commonly referred to as Urugo. As they entered the huts, participants had the opportunity to contemplate the architecture of the houses and learn about the materials and techniques used to build them. The guides went on to explain how meals were prepared (with the names of all the utensils used) and served. For the first time, the majority of participants used a traditional grain grinder, called Urusyo in Kirundi. The tour of urugo also included a visit to the parental bedroom, an explanation of family rules, and a discussion on how parents traditionally educated their children. Before leaving the hut, participants were treated to the sweet and hypnotizing sound of Inanga.

Students testing out Urusyo 

The final stop of this guided tour took the participants to the agricultural lands to explore their ancestors' agro-pastoral life. The shepherd who led the tour explained to the students how they cared for the cows in the past. He detailed the activities' schedule that shepherds used when looking after cows: when to take them to drink water, milk them, and take them to gaze. All of this explanations were delicately interspersed with flute melodies, used to calm or guide the cows. 

Before heading back to Bujumbura, participants assisted in a replica of the ceremony called "Kwerekana Umwana", a ceremonny in which the parents of a newborn baby would invite family and friends to introduce the baby formally. The visit ended the way it started, mirroring its lively beginning, as the local community, the guides, and Tujenge scholars once again joined together in the joy of traditional songs and dances, leaving everyone with a deep sense of connection to the place and lessons it offered.

Students participating in the ceremony of Ukwerekana umwana

During post-visit discussions, participants emphasized that culture is crucial as it serves as a generational bridge, and shows one's values evolution over time, and speaks about its future. Many highlighted the need to preserve and promote Burundian culture and history among the young generation by creating centers, museums, and programs across the country that ensure an accessible distribution of Burundi's historical and cultural knowledge to the population.

Family Photo with Perpetue Miganda and her husband

We gratefully acknowledge everyone who generously contributed to making this trip a success; none of these would have been possible without your support.

Korerwa y'all.