Burundi’s ‘School Aunties’: A Lifeline for Education in Crisis

CIBITOKE, BURUNDI – December 29, 2025 – For 14-year-old Jeanine, attending school used to be a monthly struggle. Lacking the money for sanitary pads, she would miss several days of class, a common reality for countless girls in Burundi that quietly pushes them to the margins of education. Today, she attends without interruption, thanks to a simple but transformative intervention: a set of reusable dignity pads provided by her 'School Auntie'.

This support is part of the 'Komezawige Programme', an initiative funded by the global fund Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and implemented by World Vision Burundi. In a nation grappling with the intersecting crises of deep-seated poverty, climate shocks, and the lingering effects of political instability, this program is deploying a powerful, culturally resonant solution: community mentors known as 'School Aunties and Uncles'. These trusted local figures are becoming a critical lifeline, ensuring that the country's most vulnerable children do not become a lost generation.

The Power of a Trusted Presence

At the heart of the 'Komezawige Programme' is the recognition that education is not sustained by books and blackboards alone. In a context where over 75% of the population is multi-dimensionally poor, children face immense pressure that extends far beyond the classroom. The 'School Aunties and Uncles' model embeds psychosocial support directly into the community, providing students with a reliable, caring adult to turn to for guidance.

In the province of Cibitoke, School Auntie Josephine has become a pillar of support for her students. She holds regular discussions, creating safe spaces for children to talk about their fears, challenges, and aspirations. This emotional and academic mentorship is crucial for students who may lack a stable support system at home. The mentors act as guides, helping children navigate academic difficulties and personal crises that could otherwise lead them to drop out.

"The presence of a trusted adult who understands the local context can make the difference between a child staying in school or leaving," noted a local education expert. This community-based approach fosters a protective environment around the school, reinforcing its role as a sanctuary for learning and growth amidst surrounding turmoil.

Breaking Barriers for Girls' Education

While the program benefits all students, it places a special emphasis on dismantling the specific barriers that disproportionately affect adolescent girls. In Burundi, an estimated 70% of girls miss up to five days of school per month due to menstruation, a significant disruption that leads to poor academic performance and high dropout rates. The stigma surrounding menstruation often prevents open discussion and access to necessary products.

The 'School Aunties' confront this challenge head-on. By openly discussing menstruation, providing crucial health information, and distributing dignity pads, they are systematically breaking a powerful taboo. For girls like Jeanine, who received five reusable pads, this support is life-changing, granting her the freedom and confidence to pursue her education without shame or interruption.

Furthermore, the program addresses the threat of early pregnancy, another major reason girls abandon their education. Mentors provide comprehensive reproductive health education to both girls and boys, promoting informed decision-making and mutual respect. By educating boys alongside girls, the initiative fosters a more supportive community environment and challenges traditional gender roles that limit girls' futures.

A Strategy Beyond the Classroom

The mentorship model is the most visible feature of a much broader, holistic strategy designed to build a resilient education system. In late 2021, ECW announced a US$12 million catalytic grant for a Multi-Year Resilience Programme (MYRP) in Burundi, which underpins the 'Komezawige' initiative. The goal is to leverage this seed funding to mobilize a total of US$30 million from other donors.

Delivered in coordination with the Burundian government and consortia led by World Vision and UNICEF, the program attacks the multifaceted barriers to education from all sides. The funding supports the recruitment and training of qualified teachers, equipping them with skills to provide mental health support and quality instruction. It also focuses on improving school infrastructure by building more classrooms to alleviate severe overcrowding and constructing or repairing vital water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. In a country where only 41% of primary schools have access to a water source, such improvements are fundamental to creating a safe and healthy learning environment.

This integrated approach connects immediate relief with long-term development. By strengthening the education system at all levels—from the individual student's well-being to the physical school environment and teacher capacity—the program aims to create sustainable change that can withstand future shocks.

An Uphill Battle Against Systemic Crises

The achievements of the 'Komezawige Programme' are particularly noteworthy given the immense challenges confronting Burundi's education sector. Decades of civil conflict have left a legacy of destroyed infrastructure and displaced populations. Today, climate change poses an escalating threat, with floods and landslides regularly disrupting schooling for tens of thousands of children. In the 2019/2020 school year alone, over 110,000 children were affected by such climate-related events.

Poverty remains the most pervasive barrier. With 78% of children living in poverty, many families are forced to prioritize immediate survival over education, leading to high dropout rates. Some lawmakers and civil society groups have voiced deep concerns over what they see as a deteriorating system, citing overcrowded classrooms, a shortage of qualified teachers, and declining academic standards.

Despite this daunting landscape, there are signs of progress. Burundi has made significant strides in gender parity, with girls' enrollment now matching or even exceeding boys' in primary and secondary education. The government's Sectoral Education Plan for 2022-2030 demonstrates a commitment to improving access and quality. It is within this complex reality of profound challenges and determined efforts that community-focused initiatives like the 'Komezawige Programme' prove their indispensable value, offering targeted, human-centered solutions that provide not just knowledge, but also hope and stability to an entire generation.