This Christian Aid Week (12–18 May), we're highlighting our work in Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the world financially, and one of the least prepared to combat the effects of climate crisis.

With a fragile economy built on agriculture, people in Burundi find themselves in a precarious position in the face of droughts, floods and landslides.

The global cost of living crisis has intensified the challenges families face. More than 70% of the population live in poverty, and 52% of children are chronically malnourished.

We know we can’t solve every problem that our neighbours in Burundi will face, but with our support, more families are building reliable and diverse incomes that are bringing them food security, better health, safer homes, increased resilience and hope.

‘When we see Christian Aid, we feel comforted, we feel we are not alone. We see that we have people to back us up.’ Aline Nibogora.

Read on for Aline's story and how she pushed back from the brink of survival with just a little help from Christian Aid.

Aline's story

Aline felt the full force of extreme poverty after several years of an abusive marriage ended, when her husband married another woman, forcing her to flee without her six children. She was forced to sleep on the streets of Burundi. With no home, healthcare or security, Aline was pushed to the brink of survival.

'I wandered the streets, asking anyone for a place to sleep. Those who showed me kindness would let me stay for two or three days, but it was difficult. People would insult me and treat me with contempt. They forgot I was a human being. It filled me with sorrow.’

But Aline transformed her life after meeting Christian Aid. We provided vital training and support that meant Aline could nurture a small business trading avocados and peanuts locally. This has enabled her to buy and grow nutritious food, build a home to call her own, and return her children to her side.

Aline was determined to push back against the inhumanity of poverty, driven by hope, faith and the love of her children. Against the odds she had done this, with just a little help from Christian Aid.

Will you help someone like Aline to push back against the inhumanity of poverty this Christian Aid Week?