BAREFOOT ARTISTS 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW

Twa transformation continues in 2025

Hehu Village: A New Beginning for Twa Families

A new Twa community has taken root in Hehu, near Gasiza in the Bugeshi Sector. 36 families and 46 children now call this place home—many having recently arrived, some crossing from Congo to escape conflict.

For generations, the Twa lived in the forest near the Nyamuragira Volcano along the Rwanda–Congo border, gathering wild vegetables, fruits, and meat in harmony with nature. When access to the forest was lost, their traditional way of life collapsed. Without land or farming experience, many struggled to survive, often resorting to begging or stealing just to feed their children.

Our work in Hehu supports their transition into a new life. We help families learn to cultivate land, raise small animals, and grow home vegetable gardens—regaining the nutritious foods they once gathered in the forest. Children are learning about healthy eating, and families are discovering that life outside the forest can still be dignified and sustaining.

These efforts are small first steps, but they bring the promise of stability and renewed hope to the Twa families of Hehu Village.

Community celebrating during distribution.

A Stronger Path Forward for Twa Children

Through years of working with Twa communities, we have learned a simple truth: the real future for the Twa depends on their children receiving a good education. In two earlier groups we supported, one succeeded while the other faltered. This contrast taught us that hope alone is not enough—we must strengthen our support to ensure lasting change.

With this in mind, we have established child-monitoring committees in the Twa communities of Bugeshi, Hehu, and Gasiza. These committees bring together local authorities and Twa parent representatives to encourage school attendance and ensure children feel respected and supported in their classrooms.

After several days of preparation—collecting uniforms, shoes, notebooks, pens, folders, and soap—we were able to distribute full school kits to 118 children. Even in the rain, the celebration was filled with joy, gratitude, and a sense of new beginnings as families gathered for this important moment.

Today, these children are walking to school with dignity, pride, and renewed confidence.

“By strengthening community support and providing full school kits to 118 children, we are helping Twa families build a hopeful future through education.”

Some of the 116 school-age Twa children, waiting
patiently for their uniform measurements.

The tailor measuring and noting each child's size, ensuring a proper fit for every uniform.

Children in their uniforms enjoying a meal together at school.