Heart of Burundi
Oliver Schneider
‘Heart of Burundi’ tells the extraordinary story of Verena Stamm, a German nurse who left her homeland in 1972 to begin a new life in Burundi. Motivated by love for her husband, Verena spent more than fifty years navigating conflict, ethnic divisions, and poverty. During the Burundian civil war, she displayed remarkable courage by founding the Stamm Foundation, an organization devoted to supporting the country’s most vulnerable children. What started as a modest orphanage eventually grew into a nationwide network of children’s homes, schools, shelters, and hospitals.
This biography not only traces Verena’s inspiring journey, but also explores Burundi’s turbulent history, revealing how major events often intertwined with her own life. Written with honesty and featuring over 100 photographs—many captured by renowned war photographer Ursula Meissner—it highlights both the challenges and achievements of a woman whose work has transformed thousands of lives in Burundi.
Hardback, 300+ Pages
€37.99
Seller Bio
Sold by: Oliver Schneider
Born in Germany in 1968, Oliver has spent the majority of his adult life in Scotland and Ireland, where he currently resides with his wife and daughter. A passionate photographer and accomplished player of the electric guitar, Oliver brings a creative spirit to everything he does. Heart of Burundi is his debut book—a project he has both written and published himself.
His connection to the story at the heart of this book began thirty-two years ago, thanks to a remarkable coincidence—or perhaps fate—that introduced him to the individuals whose extraordinary lives form the narrative’s core. Their journey is far from ordinary, and Oliver felt compelled to share it with a wider audience, believing their experiences deserved to be brought to light.
Website lensedbyoliver.com
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Kevin Guthrie (verified owner) –
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but I could not stop reading it. A remarkable account of both Burundi the country and Verena Stamm, founder of the Stamm Foundation. Set against Burundi’s turbulent (to put it mildly) recent history it is a story of hope and resilience. Truly inspirational to discover just what has, and can, be achieved when a group of people put humanitarianism above all else. This is not an easy read in places, and the author pulls no punches. Illustrated throughout with images taken by the author, himself a talented photographer, and a selection by well known war photographers. The author’s father also features heavily in the book, his life with his wife Verena intertwined with the politics and poverty of the country. Cannot recommend this book highly enough. Buy it.