The Federation of National Education and Teaching Unions of Burundi (FENASSEB) has said the country’s education system is struggling as the 2025–2026 school year begins.
Speaking to local media earlier on Monday, FENASSEB chairperson Antoine Manuma cited a shortage of teachers, low salaries, and a lack of learning materials as key issues. He urged the government to act quickly to improve conditions in schools.
“This Monday marks the beginning of the school year, but the education sector is facing challenges that need solutions in order for learning to go smoothly,” Manuma said.
Teacher Shortages Despite Recruitment Drive
Manuma has also highlighted the acute shortage of qualified personnel, describing teachers as “pillars of quality education.” According to the Ministry of Education, more than 36,000 candidates sat for entrance exams last week in a recruitment drive aimed at tackling the problem, with 1,950 new teachers expected to be hired.
Despite this effort, FENASSEB argues the measures remain insufficient. “Between the 2,300 currently available and the more than 10,000 needed, the gap is very wide,” Manuma said.
Exodus of Teachers and Overcrowded Classrooms
The union leader pointed to the exodus of teachers abandoning their posts, blaming inadequate salaries and retirement-related departures for compounding the crisis. He also raised concerns about overcrowded classrooms and the lack of basic resources such as textbooks and desks.
“The lack of textbooks hinders learning, as a single book may be shared among many pupils,” he said. “Providing schools with enough resources so that no child is left without a seat would be a good step.”
Uniform Policies and Governance Issues
FENASSEB also criticized recent policy decisions, including a directive by the governor of Buhumuza Province requiring all students to wear complete uniforms, including shoes and socks, as a condition for starting classes — a measure the union says risks excluding children from poor families.
The union further raised alarm over what it called “mismanagement and corruption” in teacher transfer practices. Last Friday, the Ministry of Education suspended all transfers signed by provincial and communal education directors since July, citing irregularities.
In a statement, the Minister warned that unauthorized transfers had left some schools without teachers and ordered the return of affected staff to their original posts, threatening salary suspensions for those who failed to comply.
“We have bitterly observed that certain provincial and communal directors of education have arrogated to themselves the right to grant transfers without respecting the guidance that was given to them,” the statement read. “As a result, some schools have found themselves almost completely stripped of their teaching staff.”
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