Official handover of 498 desks to four schools in Rugombo
UNICEF officially delivered new desks to ECOFO Rugombo 1, Rugombo 2, Lycée Communal Rugombo and Lycée Espoir du Sauveur to address the deterioration of school furniture following the temporary occupation of these facilities by refugees in March 2025.
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A festive atmosphere reigned on Wednesday, 19 November, in the courtyards of Rugombo 2 and Rugombo 4 primary schools, where pupils, teachers, and local authorities gathered for the official handover ceremony of 498 desks. From early morning, singing, drumming, and traditional dances animated the celebration, heralding the arrival of the guests. The joy on the children’s faces was unmistakable as they eagerly awaited this important moment for their schools.
The event brought together representatives of UNICEF Burundi, the initiator of the action, made possible through funding of more than USD 38,000 from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Burundi.
This contribution supports the national campaign “Zero Children Sitting on the Ground,” launched in June 2025 by the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research.
In his welcome remarks, the Administrator of Cibitoke Commune expressed his gratitude to UNICEF and the Chinese Government for a donation that will significantly improve learning conditions in local schools.
UNICEF Representative in Burundi, Ms France Bégin, highlighted that, thanks to a competitive, transparent procurement process, high-quality desks were acquired at the best possible price.
“The 498 desks we are delivering today far exceed the 300 units initially planned,” she noted, expressing her deep appreciation to the Chinese Embassy for its continued support of children’s welfare.
Ms Bégin also recalled that this delivery forms part of a broader national effort:
“UNICEF has already distributed more than 12,000 desks for 480 new classrooms built throughout the country, helping reduce a national deficit estimated at more than 600,000 units.”
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Burundi, Ms Zhao Jiang Ping, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to supporting the education sector:
“Supporting schools means investing in young people, who represent the future of Burundi. This commitment is fully aligned with the national vision of an emerging country by 2040 and a developed country by 2050.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mr Herménégilde Burikukiye, encouraged pupils and teachers to look after the new desks, reminding them of the importance of preserving them so they can benefit as many learners as possible.
With this contribution, UNICEF reaffirms its commitment to inclusive, safe, and quality education for every child in Burundi. The distribution of these desks will provide hundreds of pupils with improved learning conditions while supporting national efforts to ensure a respectful, welcoming, and stimulating school environment.
