Tag Archives: Burundi

According to collegesanduniversitiesinusa, Burundi has a long and complex educational history. In the precolonial period, education was largely informal, with children learning traditional skills and customs from their families. However, during the colonial period, formal education began to take root in Burundi. In 1902, the Belgian colonial government opened the first school in Bujumbura, which was followed by the opening of other schools throughout the country. These schools sought to teach students basic literacy and numeracy skills as well as providing a limited introduction to European culture and language. In 1946, after Burundi had gained its independence from Belgium, a new educational system was introduced which sought to provide universal access to education for all citizens regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic status. This system included primary schools for children aged 6-14 years old as well as secondary schools for those aged 15-18 years old. The government also established teacher training colleges and universities in order to increase the number of qualified teachers in the country. Despite these efforts at reform, access to education remained limited due to poverty and conflict in many parts of Burundi. It wasn’t until 2006 that free primary education was introduced throughout the country in an effort to reduce school fees and increase enrollment rates. Since then there have been significant improvements in both access and quality of education in Burundi but there is still much work left to be done if all citizens are going to have access to quality educational opportunities. As such, much work has been done by international organizations such as UNICEF and UNESCO which have provided support for educational initiatives throughout Burundi over the past decade including introducing new curricula designed around life skills such as critical thinking and problem solving; establishing scholarship programs; providing teacher training; setting up libraries; improving student assessment systems; creating vocational training programs; introducing computers into classrooms; improving infrastructure; promoting gender equality within schools; and providing textbooks for students who cannot afford them. Burundi’s domestic politics in 2009 were shaped by the aftermath of the civil war which had ended in 2005. The civil war had been fought between the majority Hutu and minority Tutsi ethnic groups, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. In its wake, a new power-sharing government was established which sought to bring peace and stability to the country. The government was led by President Pierre Nkurunziza who had been elected in 2005. Nkurunziza’s party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) held a majority in both houses of parliament and thus had considerable control over domestic policy. Under Nkurunziza’s leadership, Burundi experienced relative stability and economic growth. His government implemented various initiatives designed to promote development such as infrastructure projects, agricultural reforms and investment in education. It also sought to improve human rights conditions in the country by introducing laws guaranteeing freedom of expression and assembly as well as tackling corruption. Burundi’s foreign policy during this period was largely focused on regional integration with its neighbors in East Africa through organizations such as the East African Community (EAC). The country also sought to maintain good relations with international powers such as France, Belgium and China while maintaining neutrality towards global conflicts such as those involving Israel and Palestine or Sudan and South Sudan. In terms of international aid, Burundi received considerable assistance from countries such as Germany, Japan, Sweden and Canada as well as from organizations like USAID, UNICEF and UNESCO who provided support for educational initiatives throughout Burundi over this period. Burundi also took part in various peacekeeping operations around Africa including missions in Somalia, Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo where it provided troops to help maintain security within those states. Check internetsailors for Burundi in 2011.