A sold-out crowd gathered at Hotel ZaZa on Saturday evening, February 28, 2026, for a powerful night of celebration and impact, raising support to bring clean water to more communities in Burundi.
Guests began the evening with an immersive, eye-opening water walk simulation, offering a glimpse into the daily journey many take to collect water. That shared experience set the tone for the night, which continued with dinner, dancing, a lively auction, and a photo booth to capture the moment.
The smiles tell the story of a community coming together to build clean water systems that transform daily life in Burundi.
World Water Day: Then, Now, and the Work Still Ahead in Burundi
This World Water Day, we reflect on the journey of bringing clean water to Burundi—from the early struggles to the progress made today.
Because of you, communities in Burundi are no longer walking miles for unsafe water. Children are in school. Families are healthier. Hope is flowing.
Today, we’re proud to share our 2025 Impact Report — a look at what your generosity made possible.
See an interactive map of all the sustainable water systems we have built in partnership with communities across rural Burundi. We started in the Bururi Province and intend to expand as water systems are completed.
We are pleased to announce that construction on the Musinzira-Mahwa water system kicked off on February 9, 2026. The system was made possible by the generosity of donors like you.
This water system marks a new beginning for this rural community by delivering permanent and close access to clean water. Currently there is no clean water located nearby, which means community members walk several miles away to fetch water that is contaminated.
Tens of thousands of students and teachers in Burundi are returning to schools with clean water. That wasn't always the case. Students at Kigomera primary school and a nearby college literally had to climb down and back up a mountainside to a river to access water, which was not clean. In March of 2023, supporters like you helped the Gazelle Foundation finish a clean-water system for this community and its students.
Part 3 of a 3 part series. 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.
Part 2 of a 3 part series. 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.
What started as a new year’s resolution to do something about the 771 million people globally who lack access to safe drinking water became an annual student art show and sale called Art for Water. Celeste Robbins, Chair of the Fine Arts Department at St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School in Austin reached out to the Gazelle Foundation about organizing a student art show fundraiser and the results are beautiful.
Part 1 of a 3 part series. 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.
