The Context
In 2024, Burundi, a landlocked country in East Africa with about 13.6 million inhabitants, is working to improve its education system. The government increased the education budget to 499.1 billion BIF (approximately 176.6 million USD) for the 2023/2024 fiscal year, up from 354.0 billion BIF the previous year. However, challenges remain, with gross enrollment in post-basic education at only 29.2% and an average of 41 students per class in public technical education. Gender disparities are significant, as early pregnancies contribute to higher dropout rates among girls—over 1,200 cases were reported during the 2019/2020 academic year.
To tackle these issues, the government established a Directorate for Preschool and Early Childhood Education, mandating preschool classes in new school constructions and conducting a feasibility study for implementing them in all primary schools, backed by UNICEF. Burundi remains committed to providing quality education for all children and improving educational opportunities through collaborations with international organizations.
ST Foundation’s Presence
Since 2009, the ST Foundation has been actively supporting Burundi’s underserved communities through the DU Program, providing access to information and communication technologies to those who need it most. Over the years, our efforts have grown, addressing key educational challenges by equipping schools and students with the tools to embrace technology and create a foundation for learning and growth.
Our 12 DU Labs remain vibrant hubs of activity, offering essential opportunities to enhance Burundi’s educational landscape. Building on this progress, we introduced the Tablet for Kids program in Cubwenge, further expanding our impact. For more details, please explore the dedicated section on our website.
Since the program’s inception, over 151,000 students have benefited from the DU Program, with many encountering digital technologies for the first time. This milestone underscores our commitment to closing the digital divide and enriching the educational journey of Burundi’s youth.
