On Saturday evening, Spring Communities marked an important milestone: one year of impact and growth since the return of our Youth Ambassadors from their transformative exchange experience in Belgium. The celebration brought together partners, communities, and young changemakers in a powerful showcase of learning, art, collaboration, and action.

A Journey Captured in Frames — Photography Exhibition

The evening opened with a moving Photography Exhibition, capturing intimate moments from the Youth Ambassadors’ exchange journey. Each image represented a chapter of their experience: meeting host families, speaking in Belgian schools, participating in YOUCA vzw Action Day, joining Circus4Climate with KIYO, and discovering new cultures through excursions.

Shot by Epitace Ndacayisaba, a passionate photographer and member of the Spring Communities team, the exhibition highlighted not only activities but emotions—friendships formed, horizons widened, and mindsets transformed. It served as a visual testimony to the bridges built between young people in Burundi and Belgium, showing how art can document impact and inspire connection.

A Story on Screen — Documentary Film Screening

The celebration continued with the screening of a touching short film documentary recounting the Youth Ambassadors’ journey and how the exchange continues to influence their lives today.

The film delved into:

• cultural learning and collaboration with Belgian youth,
• inspiring encounters with schools and communities,
• and the ripple effect upon returning home.

Their experience sparked new initiatives across Burundi—such as the HI Music Contest and Domeka Youth Camp—mobilizing peers, igniting creativity, and fostering leadership. The documentary reminded audiences that when youth potential is invested in, transformation doesn’t end with the trip; it grows.

Art as a Voice — DO IT Circus Show

The stage then shifted to performance with DO IT, a breathtaking fusion of acrobatics, dance, and slam poetry by the Nanje Nobaho Company, based at the Spring Communities’ artistic center. Alongside Youth Ambassadors, these young performers used movement and voice to explore themes of resilience, courage, and action—urging audiences to do it, to act, to rise.

This marked the official debut of a promising new generation of Burundian performers using art to advocate, heal, and empower. Their energy filled the room—and proved that creative expression is a catalyst for change.

Speaking for Youth — Inspirational Addresses

The celebration also welcomed a series of inspiring speeches from leaders committed to strengthening youth empowerment, including:

• Hugues Hardy Ruremesha, Founder and Executive Director, Spring Communities
• Sandrine SANGWE, Country Representative, KIYO Burundi
• Arnaud Lion, Deputy Head of Mission & Head of Cooperation Unit, Embassy of Belgium in Burundi
• André Nduwimana, Director General overseeing Preschool, Primary and Post-Primary Education, Ministry of Education and Scientific Research

Together, they reflected on the memorable moment when Burundian Youth Ambassadors first met their Belgian peers—an encounter that blossomed into a 10-day exchange themed “Right to a Safe Environment.”

Their messages echoed a powerful truth: when young people, institutions, and communities collaborate, change becomes unstoppable.

Sharing Perspectives — Panel Discussion

The evening concluded with a dynamic panel discussion featuring:

• André Nduwimana, Ministry of Education and Scientific Research
• Alexis Niyonzima, Headmaster, Lycée Sainte Famille of Kinama
• Stessy Neilla Iteriteka, Spring Communities Youth Ambassador

The conversation explored how schools, ministries, and youth can work together to support student-led initiatives—amplifying voices, improving learning environments, and strengthening community engagement.

Their insights highlighted the importance of trust, mentorship, and opportunity in unlocking youth leadership.

Looking Ahead: Youth as Catalysts of Change

As we celebrate one year of growth, we honor the collaborative spirit that made this journey possible—partners, mentors, communities, families, and especially the young people who continue to inspire.

At Spring Communities, we believe:

• When youth are trusted, they lead.
• When youth are guided, they grow.
• When youth are given space, they transform communities.

This evening was not only a celebration of the past year—it was a promise for the years ahead.

Here’s to continued partnership, bold creativity, and the unstoppable energy of youth expression.

The journey continues.
And we invite everyone to be part of what comes next.