RESTOBU’S SOCIAL JUSTICE POLICY

PREAMBLE

RESTOBU campaigns for a society built on a more supportive, prosperous and dignified family. Such a society can only come about if men and women participate at the same level both in decision-making and in the implementation of actions.

The fundamental values that RESTOBU undertakes to promote highlight the importance that the Association wants to give to the aspect of social justice: forgiveness, integrity, transparency, dignity, humility, tolerance and respect for all.

RESTOBU was founded by a group of committed Christians with the aim of contributing to the transformation of Burundian society towards social welfare. The aim was to build the organization around a core group sharing the same values and which was to be gradually expanded.

It was proved essential to put in place rules and principles that enlighten the organization on this important issue in order to avoid creating or reinforcing exclusions and/or injustices. The issue of social justice arises at all three levels of the organization: RESTOBU’S programs, community development cells and peace clubs in high schools and universities overseen by RESTOBU.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF RESTOBU

RESTOBU affirms the following principles that guide its social justice action:

1. The complementarity of roles of men and women in the development process and in family unit is indispensable and constitutes a sine qua non for solidarity and social peace, the basis of development.

The struggle for equal opportunities in development and management of power is therefore a means of establishing the social justice that underpins RESTOBU's struggle.

2. The inclusion of social justice in the process of family development is not simply a matter of equity, but a necessity.

The 2 programs cannot bear fruit unless boys and girls are educated, moralized or made aware from high schools on mutual respect and harmonious collaboration in their responsibility.

3. The concept of social justice does not only imply an approach, it is also a philosophy, a behavior of which we must look for its incarnation in the young schoolchildren who will soon be great leaders of Burundian society.

In the cultural context of our country, this behavior will only be acquired through major efforts of mobilization, training, awareness-raising of the whole organization and preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.

4. The struggle for social justice in the development process is a long-term perspective.

5. RESTOBU refutes sexist approaches as contrary to our belief, culture and family stability. Our fundamental approach is the responsibility of every person.

RESTOBU'S SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITMENTS

1. RESTOBU is committed to include in its fundamental texts the recognition of the social justice approach and the related key concepts of justice in development, the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against a given group and poor families in particular.

2. RESTOBU is committed to introducing a movement of peace clubs in high schools, universities and the community in order to promote the transmission of values and principles of social justice.

3. To conduct a study on social justice relationships so as to design more effective programs that are consistent with the organization's principles and values.

4. RESTOBU is committed to discussing with the Structured Family in community cells the most appropriate way to find solutions to these issues related to their integral development.

GUIDING PRINCIPES

Dignity : We believe that every human being has an intrinsic value, regardless of their social status, socio-economic situation and ethnic, political or religious affiliation.

Compassion : we share the suffering of our fellow human beings without feeling sorry for them and help them get back on their feet.

Tolerance : we welcome our differences as a source of strength and inspiration. We live together as members of the same family, respecting each other's freedoms, beliefs and opinions.

Humility : we recognize our limitations and are open to constructive input from our partners to improve our services.

Integrity : we use the assets we receive for the common good and are transparent to all our partners.

Forgiveness : we believe that it is forgiveness that mostly makes the society as our own family.