Right To Play in Burundi
Right To Play has been working in Burundi since 2008 to deliver high-quality development and humanitarian programs that promote foundational learning, peace-building, and psychosocial well-being.
In the early days, our focus was on supporting peace-building initiatives led by community organizations and sports federations, in partnership with the government. Today, we offer programs in several contexts including rural and urban communities. Our programs ensure children have access to quality play-based early childhood and primary education, help young people experiencing displacement to overcome trauma, and enhance children and youth’s emotional well-being.
In 2023, we reached more than 100,000 children, including more than 57,000 girls, and 2,000 children experiencing displacement.
Right To Play Burundi's 2024-26 program priorities
- Empowering parents and caregivers to support children’s learning and well-being through play;
- Ensuring more pre-primary and primary school students can access quality play-based education that builds their academic and holistic skills;
- Training teachers and parents to support children's emotional well-being;
- Building strong partnerships with donors, government, and local organizations to reach more children and young people;
- Generating evidence on the impact of play on children’s learning and development.
Challenges and Opportunities in Burundi
With nearly half of its population under the age of 18, Burundi's children and youth represent a significant and dynamic segment of society. This makes it crucial to invest in their education and development to ensure the country's future economic and social stability.
In 2021, Burundi launched its Early Childhood Development Strategy to improve access to pre-primary education. However, the pre-school system in Burundi faces difficulties, including poor learning environments, lack of drinking water, and underqualified educators. There is a pressing need and opportunity to continue to enhance the quality of education provided at the pre-primary level.
In 2005, the Burundian government introduced free primary education for learners across the country. This policy has created opportunities for many children, including those experiencing displacement, to access education. However, challenges like overcrowded classrooms, inadequate resources, a shortage of trained teachers and other issues result in high dropout and repetition rates.
Ethnic conflicts and civil war have resulted in widespread displacement and trauma among many in Burundi. Returnees face hostility, competition for resources, and inadequate support services. This situation is especially critical for children and youth who have experienced significant psychological distress. Psychosocial support is needed to reduce the effects of trauma on children, improve their emotional well-being, and increase young Burundians' ability to focus on and succeed in education and social integration.
Key Statistics:
- Despite high enrollment rates, the completion rate for primary education is only 34% (UNESCO)
- Fewer than one in ten Burundian children have access to early childhood development and pre-school education (Palgrave Macmillan)
- The share of children able to read and understand an age-appropriate text by age 10 is estimated at 4% (UNESCO)
Key Activities and Impact
As part of our early childhood and primary education, we are dismantling structural barriers that hinder access to quality and inclusive education for children aged three to eight and nine to 17 from both repatriated and host communities. The program places a special focus on children who are experiencing displacement and children with disabilities and is delivered in partnering with World Vision International through an Education Cannot Wait initiative.
Our My Education, My Future project is significantly improving the lives of girls living in refugee settlements in Tanzania and returnee communities in Burundi. Through this project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, girls experiencing displacement and those affected by conflict have access to protective, inclusive, and gender-responsive play-based education. Girls are also learning about reproductive health and how to resist early marriage, and we are engaging parents, teachers, and communities in supporting girls’ education.
In Ruyigi and Cibitoke, we are promoting peace and helping children and youth develop essential skills like cooperation, self-esteem, communication, confidence, and empathy. Through our partnership with the Olympic Refuge Foundation under the Kukivi project, we are enhancing the emotional well-being of young people through the power of play.
“I said to myself, let’s go back to school for getting a better future.” – Noelline, 14
Key Supporters and Partners
Support for our programs in Burundi comes from the Government of Burundi through the Ministry of Education; The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; and the Ministry of National Solidarity,
Human Rights and Gender.
Other partners include Global Affairs Canada; Olympic Refuge Foundation; Education Cannot Wait; Catholic Relief Services; Education in Emergencies; Jesuit Refugee services; Refugee Education Trust; UNHCR; UNICEF; War Child; and World Vision.
Country Office Address
Avenue Juru, Quartier Gasekebuye, Plot Number 3,
PO Box 5123
Bujumbura Mairie