My name is Benis-Joel Baraka Hazigamimana, and I am deeply passionate about empowering young people through education, leadership training, and faith development. Over the last several years, I have had the opportunity to lead, volunteer, and contribute to both Yuniversal Changemakers, a non-profit I founded, and Pais South Africa, where I served as a dedicated volunteer. Now, I have been presented with an incredible opportunity to continue this mission in Australia with Pais Australia.

This proposal outlines my journey, past impact, future plans, and how you can help make this next step possible.

Since founding Yuniversal Changemakers in 2017, I have worked to empower young people in Burundi and South Africa. From 2020 to 2022, I ran programs at School of Hope in Cape Town, where I led initiatives focused on debating, public speaking, and chess, impacting over 80 young individuals by helping them build confidence and leadership skills. In 2023, I partnered with Pais South Africa, where I ran various programs in schools like School of Hope and Rhodes' High, focusing on discipleship, French tutoring, Debating and Public Speaking Training , Quiz Clubs, and life skills development through Pais Youth Academy.

In early 2024, as the Extracurricular Activities Coordinator at School of Hope, I expanded my work through Yuniversal Changemakers, overseeing programs like Chess Club, Debate Club, Public Speaking, and more. These initiatives have helped students develop their leadership abilities, critical thinking and communication skills. This led them to have a sense of purpose for their lives. My work has always aimed at empowering young people to become changemakers who positively influence their communities.

In 2025, I have been given the opportunity to continue my mission with Pais Australia. Over the course of 13 months, I will work closely with young people to help them:

▪ Grow in their faith

▪ Developleadershipandcommunicationskills

▪ Build confidence to serve their communities effectively

As part of my role, I will contribute to various outreach programs, serve in local churches, and teach in both small and large group settings. This opportunity will allow me to expand

the work I have been doing in South Africa and Burundi, bringing positive change to youth in Australia.

During my 13-month journey with Pais Australia, I will receive comprehensive professional training in youth leadership, program management, and community outreach. I will develop skills in mentoring, team leadership, and curriculum development, while also gaining expertise in conflict resolution and fostering inclusive environments for young people. Additionally, I will enhance my communication, event planning, and project management abilities, all essential for running successful youth programs. Your support will empower me to bring these skills back home in Burundi and South Africa to strengthen Yuniversal Changemakers, equipping the next generation with the tools they need to become confident and impactful leaders in their communities.

While my accommodation and meals in Australia will be covered by a partner church, I am responsible for raising funds to cover the following key expenses:

▪ Visa fees: R 5,024

▪Pocket money for personal expenses: R 2,421per month (totalling R31,473for13 months) 

▪  Health insurance: R 1,210 per month ( totalling R15,730 for13 months)

▪  Return Flight ticket to Australia: Between R28,000 and R40,700

▪  Flight ticket from Cape Town to Nairobi (for visa application): Between R6,500 and R7,500

You can pray for me, the journey and mostly for those young people I will be reaching. In addition, you can help me spread the message by sharing this proposal with individuals or organizations that might be interested in supporting youth empowerment.

Your generosity will directly fund my visa, health insurance and flight, allowing me to continue making a difference in the lives of young people in Australia and beyond. I believe that with your help, we can continue this vital mission of empowering the next generation of changemakers.

Yuniversal_Changemakers:https://yuniversalchangemake.wixsite.com/y- changemakers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YuniversalChangemakers

Email: b.baraka75@protonmail.ch

Phone: +27 67 672 7330