Burundi: New school year highlights commitment to equitable and inclusive education

In an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm, Burundi officially launched the 2026–2027 school year and the “Back to School 2026” campaign. Held at the Bisinde Vocational Training Centre in Butaganzwa Commune, Buhumuza Province, the ceremony was held under the theme: “Consolidating equitable, inclusive, technical and vocational education for sustainable development in Burundi.”

Through this theme, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality, inclusive education that responds to the country’s needs, while placing greater emphasis on technical and vocational education.

In his address, the Minister of National Education and Scientific Research, Professor François Havyarimana, stressed the need to sustain efforts to strengthen Burundi’s education system. He emphasized that the country’s development depends largely on investing in human capital and strengthening the skills of young people. Education, he noted, should not only ensure access to school, but also enable children and young people to acquire the knowledge, skills and values they need to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and country.

The Minister also called on all education stakeholders, teachers, parents, learners, communities, authorities and partners to work together to create an environment that enables children to learn, thrive and succeed.       

Back to School 2026: Reaching the Most Vulnerable Children

The launch of the new school year also marked the official start of the “Back to School 2026” campaign. The initiative aims to support children from the most vulnerable families and help them access education as the new school year begins.

Through the campaign, nearly 80,000 children across the country will receive essential school supplies, with financial support from UNICEF and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), through the Burundi Learning Quality Improvement Project (PAQABU). 

School kits that make a difference

For many families, the start of a new school year can be a particularly challenging time due to the cost of school supplies. By providing essential learning materials to vulnerable children, the “Back to School” campaign helps remove some of the barriers that can prevent children from enrolling in and fully participating in school.

The kits include notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners and rulers, as well as materials to support mathematics learning. 

The distribution of these school supplies is part of UNICEF’s broader support to the education sector in Burundi. Working alongside the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research, UNICEF supports efforts to improve access to education, enhance learning outcomes and promote the inclusion of all children in the education system.

This support includes strengthening teachers’ capacities, developing learning resources, improving school infrastructure and promoting safe and enabling learning environments.

Through these interventions, UNICEF and its partners share a common goal: to ensure that every child not only goes to school but also learns in a supportive environment and develops the skills needed for their future.

The partnership between the Government, UNICEF and other education stakeholders remains essential to addressing challenges within the education system and accelerating progress for every child.

Giving every child the opportunity to build a future

In Butaganzwa, the launch of the 2026–2027 school year highlighted the importance of education as a critical investment in Burundi’s future. For children returning to school, the notebooks, pencils and other supplies they received are more than just learning materials. They are tools that enable them to participate fully in the classroom, strengthen their knowledge and make progress throughout their education journey.

For Juvent Akimana, recipient of a school kit, the support is an additional source of motivation to pursue his dream: “These supplies will help me learn better, take notes and stay organized so that I can succeed in my studies and become a doctor, as I have always dreamed.”

Nadine Nyeniteka also highlighted how the support helped remove an obstacle that had put her education at risk: “I did not have enough school supplies, and this made me sad because I thought I would not be able to go to school. Thanks to this kit, I am confident that I can continue my education and succeed this school year.”

By supporting the “Back to School 2026” campaign, UNICEF reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Government’s efforts to ensure that every child, particularly the most vulnerable, can access school, stay in school, learn and reach their full potential.

By supporting the “Back to School 2026” campaign, UNICEF reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Government’s efforts to ensure that every child, particularly the most vulnerable, can access school, stay in school, learn and reach their full potential.