The akiwacu cultural center: a living space for Burundian culture

Located in Kigobein the city of Bujumburathe AKIWACU Cultural Center is a place for learning, creating and transmitting Burundi's cultural knowledge. Its main aim is to preserving and promoting local traditionsWe've also adapted certain practices to contemporary realities, notably by involving younger generations.

🎭 What's currently being done at AKIWACU Centre

Here are the main ones regular activities and services :

1. Ongoing artistic training

• Traditional and modern music courseswith local instruments (ingoma, inanga...).
• Traditional dance workshops (intambo z'ikirundi) accessible to all ages.
• Burundian theater Burundi tales and legends, often performed by young people.
• Plastic arts and painting for children and teenagers.

2. Cultural clubs and inclusion

• The center supports around 150 young peopleincluding 90 children with disabilitiesin art clubs.
• These clubs are places where people can express themselves, share and develop their talents, particularly in urban areas.

3. Cultural evenings like "RINJORA

• Regular public events open to all.
• It includes :
  • Traditional dances and songs.
  • Presentation of oral stories and proverbs.
  • Tasting of typical Burundi dishes.
  • Intergenerational discussions on culture and social values.

4. Integrated traditional restaurant

• The center has a local kitchenette serving meals inspired by Burundian cuisine.
• In particular, it employs women from vulnerable backgrounds (IDP camps, single mothers, etc.).
• The restaurant is also a training ground for young people in local gastronomy.

5. Cultural production and distribution

• AKIWACU produces cultural videosand filmed showsand hosts a YouTube channel to expand its audience.
• It cooperates with other African and international cultural structures to strengthen exchanges.

🌍 Its impact in Burundi

• Preserving intangible heritage songs, dances, languages, proverbs, oral stories.
• Social inclusion : showcasing marginalized people through the arts.
• Informal education The young people learn social, technical and cultural skills.
• Economic development Job creation in cooking, arts and cultural management.

📌 Some current and upcoming projects

• Expanding training digital arts and video.
• Networking with African artists to organize artistic residencies in AKIWACU.
• Culture & Peace" program to promote social cohesion through theater and poetry.