From February 3 to 7, 2025, the Burundi Red Cross (BRC) hosted a Monitoring and Evaluation mission as part of its application for the International First Aid Attestation (IFAA). Jointly organized by the Global First Aid Reference Centre (GFARC) and the French Red Cross delegation in Bujumbura, the mission was led by the GFARC IFAA Representative Claude Fabbretti. Its primary objective was to observe and support the Burundi Red Cross in implementing its first aid training program and to ensure alignment with international standards recommended by the IFRC. The assessment focused on verifying the consistency of the training content with the organization’s self-assessment, while also analyzing the trainers’ pedagogical approach, teaching techniques, and the overall flow of the sessions.
Two first aid training sessions were evaluated during the mission — the first in Bujumbura and the second in Gitega. In Bujumbura, the country’s economic capital, trainers conducted a workshop for university students. The learner-centered approach alternated between practical demonstrations and role-playing exercises, fostering the acquisition of technical skills in a supportive and attentive environment. The second session took place in a community hall in Gitega, the political capital, and gathered volunteers from the BRC. The atmosphere was immediately characterized by a strong collective spirit: a shared breakfast, team-building activities, and the presentation of the fundamental principles of first aid helped create an engaging and cohesive dynamic.
In this spirit of cooperation, in-depth discussions were held throughout the mission between the BRC teams—especially with the Secretary General—and the IFAA representative. Together, they developed an action plan outlining the key objectives and priority actions for the coming years. This roadmap aims to ensure the continuous improvement of training programs and the expansion of related initiatives. Notable actions in the plan include the creation of a national pedagogical committee, the training of new trainer-of-trainers, the production of teaching materials such as a participant checklist, and research on the impact of first aid both in workplaces and disaster settings.
A major highlight crowned this collective effort: on April 2, 2025, at an official meeting organized by the GFARC, the Burundi Red Cross was proudly awarded the International First Aid Attestation. This recognition marks a significant milestone in strengthening national first aid capacities. It celebrates the dedication of a committed team, a network of passionate trainers, and a clear vision for the future.
