UNICEF donates desks to Kinyovu fundamental school

At 8:30 a.m., under a light rain, our team arrives in the capital of Ngozi province. We are warmly welcomed by Alain Patrick Muheto, Chief of Cabinet to the Governor. At the same location, we are joined by a delegation from the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research, led by the Minister, along with several provincial officials.

Shortly after, we head to Nyamurenza commune, where a tent has been set up in the playground of Kinyovu Fundamental School (ECOFO) to host the desk donation ceremony. A large crowd has gathered, captivated by the children's songs and dances marking this memorable occasion.

As part of its support to the Government of Burundi in the education sector, UNICEF is assisting the ministry in producing school desks. Opening the ceremony, Alain Patrick declared with conviction: "We will continue this initiative until no child is forced to sit on the ground."
The provincial and communal authorities also contributed to the effort, notably by providing wooden planks for bench production, a fine example of local partnership in action.

France Bégin, UNICEF Representative, addressed the attendees by highlighting the importance of collaboration: "We thank the local authorities for their exemplary commitment, which inspires and mobilizes. Our hope is that these desks will be used wisely and benefit future generations." The Minister of National Education and Scientific Research echoed this sentiment, calling on school and local officials to protect natural resources and ensure the responsible use of school furniture.

Together, the UNICEF Representative, the Minister, and local authorities officially handed over the 1,421 desks funded by UNICEF. This donation contributes to the 2,488 desks already locally manufactured by the province, thanks to the joint financial and technical support provided by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education. The project, structured into two phases of 3,000 desks each, has already enabled, during the first phase, which was completed in January 2025, the distribution of school furniture to more than 100 primary schools.

Gilbert Yumvirabasavyi, a pupil at ECOFO Kinyovu, shared his delight: "My handwriting will be neater from now on because I will be able to take notes on a desk, not on my knees like before." His smile reflected the tangible impact of this initiative.

This action takes place in the context of a severe shortage of school furniture, which has significantly impacted learning conditions in schools across Burundi. Nadine Munezero, a first-year teacher at Kinyovu, also shared her perspective: "Before, pupils used to sit on stones or even on the floor, which made note-taking difficult and hindered their learning. Now, with these desks, the situation will significantly improve."

However, despite this progress, the shortage of teachers remains a major challenge in the province of Ngozi, and particularly at ECOFO Kinyovu.