Photo by RET

Article by Jean Baptiste Gihugu, Project Communications Officer (EMEAA) for RET

KAYOGORO, BURUNDI – Last November, RET International brought hope and transformation to the schools of Kayogoro, a commune in Makamba Province, southern Burundi, near the Tanzanian border, by distributing much-needed learning materials. As part of the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) program, this initiative focused on empowering students and teachers in a region where access to quality education is often a challenge due to crises and limited resources.

Photo by RET

Education in Crisis

Burundi, a country shaped by years of political unrest and natural disasters, faces significant barriers in education. Many children—especially those from vulnerable families or displaced by crises—lack basic resources like books and safe learning environments. For rural communities like Kayogoro, these challenges are compounded by poverty and limited infrastructure, leaving children at risk of dropping out or missing school entirely.

Recognizing these challenges, RET International has stepped up through the ECW program to ensure children and teachers have the tools they need to succeed. This holistic approach supports learning, well-being, and resilience in areas heavily affected by instability.

Learning materials distributed in Kayogoro. Photos by RET.

A Collaborative Effort

The recent distribution of learning materials trascended the mere handing out of books. RET first collaborated with local education authorities to identify the specific needs of schools. The books were then sourced from a trusted local provider and delivered to schools over a week-long period. The opening ceremony, held at Kayogoro III Fundamental School, symbolized a shared commitment to improving education in the region.

Before the event, RET’s team met with local leaders to discuss their impact in Makamba Province. The praise was unanimous: RET’s efforts, including teacher training and school infrastructure support, have helped Kayogoro become the top-ranked commune in the province, with Makamba itself now ranked second nationally.

Transforming Classrooms

The event wasn’t just about distributing books; it celebrated the transformative power of education. Teachers who had participated in RET’s training programs shared how their methods had evolved. Before, some relied on punitive measures to manage behavior, but thanks to RET’s training on child-friendly teaching, they now approach students with understanding and empathy.

One teacher shared how they now take time to understand why a child might be struggling instead of resorting to punishment. This shift has reduced dropouts, increased attendance, and created classrooms where children feel safe and valued.

Voices of Gratitude

During the event, the Country Director of RET emphasized that the books were more than just learning tools—they were symbols of hope and opportunity. Students were urged to cherish these resources, which could open doors to brighter futures.

Frédéric Ndayikunda, the director of Kayogoro III Fundamental School, expressed his gratitude : “Before, our students faced so many challenges due to a lack of resources. Now, thanks to RET, they have the tools they need to thrive. This support gives us hope for a better tomorrow.”

Building a Stronger Future

RET International’s work in Kayogoro is part of a larger vision to make education accessible and inclusive for all children in Burundi. By addressing urgent needs and building resilience in schools, RET is helping to transform lives—one book, one teacher, and one child at a time.

To help us continue this critical work in Burundi and around the world, make a donation to RET today.