The idea of creating a receptive and support centre for children with disabilities was born from a spirit of love and compassion which animated His Excellency Bishop Michel NTUYAHAGA.
In 1961, this idea came to fruition with the creation of “Aktion BUJUMBURA”, a Swiss association which, to this day, makes an important contribution to the functioning of the centre.
In 1965, the centre opened its doors, welcoming the first twenty young people. Until 1972, the centre was run by Italian volunteers sent by Action BUJUMBURA.
Afterwards, Bishop NTUYAHAGA appointed the leaders of the center and it was on this date that the first BENE-UMUKAMA sisters arrived to take care of the economy and the education of the children.In 1974, an orthopedic workshop was opened, with the supervision of Italian volunteers until 1999. The period of 1999-2009 corresponds to the period of technical expertise and supply of materials and orthopedic consumables by Handicap International.Since 2010, the Saint Kizito Institute has signed a collaboration agreement with the International Committee of the Red Cross with the aim of empowerment and sustainability in the care of people with physical disabilities, in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the authorities recognized on the international standards.