We are the voice of
Burundian refugees in Belgium
At Burundian Refugee Voice-ITEKA, we are a dedicated active actor in providing assistance to Burundian and other refugees in Belgium.
Our main objectives are to welcome, assist, and guide Burundian refugees in their new countries of origin, providing them help in obtaining Belgian citizenship and fighting against discrimination based on gender, age, ethnicity, religion or political beliefs.
We serve as a platform for meetings, promoting socio-cultural development and creating healthy relations and solidarity initiatives that protect the rights of refugees in Belgium. Our efforts focus on enhancing cohesion among Burundians, building lasting social ties with Belgian society, and fostering a positive perception towards refugee communities.
Our voices are also there to act as a relay between Belgian authorities and the community, supporting and advising key actors in the formulation and implementation of integration policies.
Mission and Vision
MISSION
VISION
- Defending Burundian refugees’ rights by integrating them and promoting their citizenship.
- Contributing to socio-cultural and economic development.
- Promoting social ties within our community and with the Belgian society.
- Serving as an example of interculturality centred on exchange and the sharing of positive human values.
- Making Burundian Refugees feel that their rights are protected and their citizenship is valued.
- Creating an inclusive, respectful and fulfilling environment for Burundian refugees.
- Increasing opportunities for conviviality, artistic, cultural and sporting expression.
- Extending our field of action elsewhere in the world.
Our values
ITEKA
Rooted in our identity, Iteka embodies a set of values including respect and preservation of personal dignity, individual moral integrity and collective reputation. It is also a commitment to honesty and the defence of Burundian cultural values.
SOLIDARITY
We emphasise our core value of solidarity, which encompasses community, mutual aid, and the concept of Ubuntu. This philosophy links individuals to their community, encouraging resource-sharing without expecting anything in return. Burundian solidarity permeates all aspects of community life in our country.
CITIZENSHIP
We are committed to making a positive contribution to all sectors of Belgian society while upholding Burundian values. Our organisation has elevated participation in democratic life, respect for the law and equitable social inclusion to the status of core values of responsible and active citizenship.
Our Activities
ITEKA continuously monitors the living conditions of Burundian refugees, offering personalised support to meet their individual and collective needs, and mobilising resources to strengthen community cohesion. It also acts to guarantee respect for refugees’ fundamental rights, offering practical and legal assistance to resolve individual and collective problems, and organising collective activities to strengthen resilience and socio-economic development.
In addition, ITEKA promotes art and culture in order to preserve the cultural identity of Burundian refugees, while fostering intercultural dialogue and strengthening ties within the host community. We organise artistic and cultural events highlighting Burundian artistic expression and traditions.
ITEKA also aims to promote the physical, mental and social well-being of refugees through sporting activities and convivial events. This includes the organisation of sports competitions, training sessions and leisure activities, as well as intercultural meetings and intercommunity meals. These activities promote social integration, strengthen bonds of solidarity within the community, and offer refugees a safe and inclusive space in which to enjoy themselves and recharge their batteries.
Board members elected at the General Assembly of April 13, 2023.
Members of the Burundian Refugee Voice-ITEKA before registering the organisation as an NGO in Brussels (©URC).
From left to right: Désiré Ndayizeye, (Co-President and Head of Projects, activities and resources), and Jean Claude Ntiburumusi (Member of the Administrative Board and Head of the organisations’ Secretary and Communication).
Co-presidents: Désiré Ndayizeye and Aline Manirakiza
English 
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