Multipurpose Community Centres – MCC
Multipurpose Community Centres – MCC
The establishment of Multipurpose Community Centres (MCC) across all provinces of Burundi is one of BEF’s flagship strategies to promote STEM education, strengthen ICT skills, and expand digital access for youth and adults, including those without formal schooling. These centres provide communities with essential facilities: reliable internet access, digital learning spaces, libraries, and rooms for conferences, meetings, and family events. MCCs are designed to be hubs of knowledge, innovation, and community development, helping bridge the technological and educational gaps that continue to limit opportunities in many rural and urban areas.
Objectives of the Multipurpose Community Centres (MCC) :
1. Bridge the skills gap and strengthen employability by equipping youth with practical com- petencies that match labour-market needs, while promoting entrepreneurship to support the creation of new job opportunities.
2. Provide technology and learning facilities for students in formal education to access on- line courses and earn internationally recognized Certificates and Diplomas from global universities and accredited online providers.
3. Offer fully equipped modern science laboratories to enable young learners to explore high- tech experimentation, deepen their interest in STEM, and acquire the scientific knowledge required for advanced certifications and academic pathways.
4. Support youth in the informal sector and adults without formal schooling by giving them access to online trainings and webinars, enabling them to earn professional Certificates and Awards essential for career development and entrepreneurship.
5. Give the local community access to digital knowledge resources, including computers, educational platforms, and a community library, to encourage continuous learning.
6. Provide reliable internet and co-working spaces where entrepreneurs, freelancers, and com- munity members can work online in a friendly, productive, and supportive environment.
7. Enable access to telemedicine and wellness services, including chiropractic and wellbeing resources, to improve the community’s health and access to remote medical expertise. expertise.
8. Offer multi-purpose spaces for community events, including conferences, workshops, meet- ings, family ceremonies, funerals, weddings, and other social gatherings.
Centre Carlo Acutis de Kiganda :
Launched on 4 July 2025, the Centre Carlo Acutis in Kiganda is the first MCC established and a model for those to follow. It is already transforming the community: training teachers and students in digital literacy, providing access to educational platforms, and connecting residents to the world through high-quality internet. Beyond supporting the local school, the centre welcomes the entire Kiganda community and strengthens their capacity to develop projects, improve skills, and pursue new opportunities. As BEF aims to equip all provinces, this centre is the foundation of a broader national digital-empowerment network.
CRDS Centre – Campus Rohero
BEF also strengthened the CRDS (Centre de Recherche en Didactique et de Diffusion des Sci- ences) at the University of Burundi by donating 18 desktop computers to establish a Community Digital Centre accessible to students, researchers, lecturers, and nearby secondary-school teach- ers. Situated at Campus Rohero, this centre provides a modern environment for research, ICT learning, scientific communication, and professional development.
