For the past 10 years, Launceston couple Ted and Lorraine Bosveld have dedicated their time to helping underprivileged families in one of the world’s poorest nations.
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Starting their organisation Villages of Life in 2006, the philanthropic pair have seen the construction of orphanages, schools, a medical clinic and a fish farm in Burundi in East Africa.
Mr Bosveld decided to create the project after volunteering in Rwanda and wanting to do more.
“I felt called to do something,” he said.
“Mother Teresa says if you can’t feed 100 people, feed one. Just start somewhere, whether that’s in your neighbourhood or anywhere else in the world.
“And I think you should always follow your heart, you’re most effective where your heart is.”
Since the beginning of Villages of Life, 370 students have been enrolled in the school and 34 children have been placed within the four homes built by the organisation.
Using locals to construct the buildings, the organisation also aims to generate employment for the community in Burundi.
“Around 90 per cent of the population is sustenance farmers, so they only have land to grow enough for themselves and they don't generally have an income. So for them to be able to have a job, makes a huge difference,” Mr Bosveld said.
“It means a man can feed his family and he can send his children to school.
“It sustains a family.”
As cofounder of the organisation, Mr Bosveld travels to Burundi regularly.
He said what he experienced during his travels would stay with him for a lifetime.
“Nothing prepares you for the impact that it has on you, we go there to help, but you end up getting something back,” he said.
“You get more than what you give.”
Next week he will head to the village for his 13th trip to mentor locals and plan for the future of the project.
In October the organisation will host its annual Villages of Life Gala Ball to raise funds and awareness of its work.