A Doughnut Journey Towards a Just Burundi

From the Doughnut to a Safe and Just Burundi: Our Global Donut Days Story

How the Doughnut model helped people understand a fairer and more sustainable future

On Thursday, 22 October 2026, something special happened in Bujumbura, Burundi. Through Donut Circle Burundi, we brought together 25 participants to celebrate Global Donut Days and explore how Doughnut Economics can help us build a fairer and more sustainable future.

Our approach was simple but meaningful: we used the Doughnut model as a visual and educational tool to introduce a new way of thinking about our economy, society and environment.

We invited participants to look at the Doughnut as a symbol of our society. The hole represents people’s unmet basic needs, such as access to clean water, food, healthcare, education and decent housing. The outer ring represents environmental challenges, including pollution, deforestation, plastic waste and soil degradation.

The space between these two boundaries represents the safe and just space where everyone should have the opportunity to live well without destroying nature.

The workshop created an atmosphere of curiosity, happiness and meaningful exchange. Participants were excited to learn and discovered that Doughnut Economics is not just a theory; it is something they can understand, discuss and apply in their daily lives.

One important outcome was the realisation that change is possible when people come together. Participants began to see how small community actions, such as reducing waste, protecting Lake Tanganyika, caring for the environment and supporting one another, can contribute to a better future.

For us, this experience was more than a workshop. It was an opportunity to connect global ideas with local knowledge, culture and realities.

Through Donut Circle Burundi, we want to continue making Doughnut Economics accessible in Kirundi and creating spaces where communities, especially women and young people, can participate in shaping solutions for their future.

Our message is simple: Change begins when people understand that social well-being and environmental protection must go hand in hand.

Together, let’s build a safe and just Burundi where people and nature can thrive together.

Story by NDAYISENGA Fabiola – Donut Circle Burundi 🇧🇮