Board Member, Michael Madison has traveled to Burundi eight times over the last 15 years to help the Gazelle Foundation build clean water systems. His presence in the country has established relationships that keep Foundation projects moving forward and has earned him the unofficial role as the Foundation’s Ambassador to Burundi.
Then and Now
As Madison continued to visit Burundi over the next several years, his trips almost always had a Foundation focus. One year it was collecting data door-to-door, another year he raised money for the Foundation by cycling more than 250 miles and 5000 feet of elevation through the mountainous Burundi countryside. That trip was planned with other men from the US and UK also fundraising for their own organizations benefitting Burundi. Another example of some of the lasting connections Michael has made during his many travels.
Michael’s most recent visit to Burundi was in January 2023. This time, it was about introducing his six-year old daughter, Finley, to the country he loves. But it was also the first time to get to travel there with Gilbert.
“We’ve been wanting to take our daughter there. To be able to do it with Gilbert would be so special. I kept telling him every time he mentioned it, ‘just let us know when you're ready.’ Going with Gilbert was the main reason to go this time.”
Travel to Burundi is long, which is why the Madison’s waited for Finley to be a little older for her first visit. One of the flights takes nearly 17 hours, but Finley handled it well. With TV screens in the seatbacks and food delivered to her tray table, Finley felt like a rockstar. She also bonded with a niece of Gilbert’s while there and attracted lots of interest and attention from the villagers—as most white visitors do.
“One of the things that I most remembered from this trip was on the first day we drove into this one village. We got about halfway in and there were a couple of people yelling my name—and it had been 2016 since I was last there. But people remembered me from all that time ago. And they always associate me, and of course Gilbert, with the Gazelle Foundation.”
Madison notes that everyone recognizes Gilbert. They know his personal story and they know he is responsible for the Gazelle Foundation’s work. One evening at dinner, Gilbert was spotted by the man who gave him a bicycle to help him rehab his burned and scarred leg after he escaped the burning school in 1997. A nurse that treated him in the hospital recognized him one night out as well. Both remarkable events in a country of 12.5 million people.
Michael mentioned several times how “relational” Burundi is. Hospitality and connection are important currency in their culture. Michael’s presence in the country has been such a gift for the Gazelle Foundation and it’s a reason why the Foundation continues to have great success there. The Foundation is lucky to have such a dedicated “Ambassador” to continue building relationships in Burundi and successfully executing Gilbert’s vision for his home country.
Inspired by Michael’s longstanding commitment to Burundi? Join AMAZI for Burundi, our monthly membership community, and provide a steady investment in clean water.