The Burundian education sector is facing a critical crisis as the number of students abandoning school continues to soar, driven largely by poverty, outdated curricula, and lack of parental support.
Speaking at a press conference held Wednesday in Bujumbura, Minister of National Education François Havyarimana raised alarm over the deteriorating situation, calling for urgent reforms and community involvement to curb the growing dropout rate.
“We are seeing an increase in school dropouts, particularly in provinces where families are struggling to meet basic needs,” Minister Havyarimana said. “The first priority is to strengthen and expand the school feeding program to ensure that hunger does not force children out of classrooms.”
The minister also pointed fingers at what he described as parental irresponsibility, stating that some parents not only fail to prioritize their children’s education but also allow or even encourage them to seek jobs abroad in search of better livelihoods.
“Sometimes, it’s the parents who cause their children to drop out,” Havyarimana said. “In some cases, children leave school to do small jobs because of the extreme poverty in their families. That’s why we must work with parents and local leaders to ensure children stay in school.”
Dropouts on the Rise Nationwide
The scale of the crisis is staggering. In Karusi Province—now incorporated into the newly created Gitega Province—local education officials recorded 6,792 school dropouts during the second trimester of the 2024–2025 academic year. Ferdinand Havyarimana, Provincial Director of Education (DPE), attributed the mass exodus to poverty and a declining will to persist among students.
“Some parents are simply not engaged in their children’s education, and students themselves often lack perseverance,” he said in an interview with Bonesha FM. “Education requires dedication and patience.”
The crisis is not isolated. In formerly Ngozi Province—now part of newly established Butanyerera Province—536 students—245 girls and 291 boys—dropped out of school in March alone. Poverty, once again, was cited as the primary factor. In nearby Kayanza, over 4,300 students left school during the first trimester, including nearly 2,000 girls. Provincial Education Director Juvenal Mbonihankuye blamed a combination of poverty, ignorance about the value of education, and discouragement among students.
Minister Havyarimana acknowledged these concerns during his February remarks when over 6,000 students were reported to have dropped out in Kirundo Province—now part of the newly formed Butanyerera Province. He urged students to persevere despite financial hardships, stating that education remains the cornerstone of Burundi’s development.
“Others have faced the same difficulties but completed their education and earned their diplomas,” he emphasized. “We must encourage students to see beyond current challenges.”
Outdated Curriculum Failing Students
Minister Havyarimana also admitted that outdated curricula are contributing to the high dropout rates. Many students, he noted, become disillusioned when they see little real-world value in their studies or when they observe educated individuals struggling to find jobs.
“There are cases where students see someone who studied a particular subject but didn’t succeed in life. They ask themselves, ‘Why should I bother?’ and then choose to leave school,” he explained.
To address this, the government plans to revise the national curriculum to include more practical, development-oriented courses. These will aim to better prepare students for employment and entrepreneurship.
“We want programs that contribute to national development and help graduates either find jobs or start their own businesses,” the minister said. “These are the types of programs we are promoting to make school more appealing.”
Amid the mounting challenges, international partners have begun stepping in. Earlier this year, the European Union, the French Development Agency (AFD), and UNICEF pledged over €23 million to support reforms and strengthen Burundi’s struggling education system
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