Volunteer teachers in Burundi are raising concerns about their future, citing unfulfilled rights and unpaid salaries. Many of these educators report not receiving payments for several months, while others are frustrated by the lack of formal recruitment, despite years of voluntary service.
Teachers working in various provinces are voicing dissatisfaction, particularly in Mabayi, Cibitoke, a western province, where volunteers are seeking payment for two months of unpaid wages from the 2023-2024 school year. These teachers have expressed confusion over why they have not been compensated, despite fulfilling their assigned duties.
The Communal Education Directorate of Mabayi stated that the funds for these volunteer teachers had already been released. However, they regret that the money collected from parents, intended for teacher salaries, was misappropriated by some school principals. The director has assured that those responsible for the diversion have been dismissed, and efforts are underway to resolve the situation for the volunteers.
In addition to salary issues, formal recruitment of volunteer teachers remains a challenge. In Ruyigi, an eastern province, many volunteers have worked for two to eight years without being hired, despite a directive from the Ministry of Education to consider volunteer experience during recruitment. Teachers in this region are calling for the reports submitted by provincial education authorities to be taken into account and urge the Ministry to ensure these volunteers are formally hired.
The National Federation of Teacher Unions (FENASSEB) has warned that the education sector is facing a critical shortage of qualified teachers, which is threatening the quality of education in the country. Antoine Manuma, the president of the federation, said: “The situation is worsening and undermines educational standards.” He also emphasized the crucial role volunteer teachers play in the system and noted that the government had previously committed to prioritizing them in full-time teacher recruitment.
FENASSEB calls on the Ministry of Education to address these concerns and find a solution that benefits both the volunteers and the country’s educational development. The union stresses the need to ensure the country’s future by providing quality education and supporting teachers, who are vital in shaping the next generation
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