During the year 2021 a total of 12,543 out of 16,346 children aged 3-5 were enrolled in ECCD - this represents 75% of gross enrolment in ECCD. In primary education a total of 52,394 out of 57,245 school aged children (6-11) were enrolled in primary schools which also represent a gross enrolment of 92% of children in primary education. In secondary education total of 969 out of 10,426 students which represent 9% of gross enrolment in secondary schools. The reported enrolment data represents 92% of Gross Enrolment while Net Enrolment Rate stood at 48%. The difference in NER and GER attributed by high repetition rate, drop out and persistence of over aged children in schools. In terms of participation and gender parity Girls are 48% and Boys 52% in Primary Education, while in secondary education girls are 25% while Boys are 75%. UNHCR continued to support Burundian’s students through various scholarship programs including DAFI, where during this reporting period a total of 84 students are in Universities and VETA TVET centres.
In collaboration with UNICEF and MHA has continued to work with National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA) in administering special equivalence exams for Burundians. In 2021 a total of 879 grade 9 children sat for their exam and results came out in November 2021 and 67% of the children passed the exam. During this reporting period due to prohibitive fees requested by NECTA and Tanzania Government (RSD-MHA) denied Burundian Officials to access the camp resulted into a cohort of 1011 Burundian’s students in grades 9, 12 and 14 did not sit for their final exams which were supposed to be conducted in July 2021.
During COVID-19 pandemic all schools remained closed and to support children to continue learning while at home, UNHCR in collaboration with IRC and JRS supported distribution of 12,199 radio devices to refugees’ households with students or teachers across three camps. As part of UNHCR support a radio programme was aired through Radio Kwizera with different thematic areas to support children especially those in exam classes. In 2021 as part of systematic efforts to ensure schools are safe for children, a total of 710 teachers and non-teaching staff have been trained on child safeguarding, sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and gender-based violence in schools and various aspects of protection. The training series aimed at reducing prevalence of SEA and gender-based violence cases that are contributing to dropout of girl child due to teenage pregnancies and violence as of 2021 a total of 1654 out 2043 dropout were successfully re-enrolled back to school.
During camp consolidation exercise UNHCR and education partners succeeded to verify a total of 7,017 continuing school children who were successfully relocated and re-integrated in Nduta schools. In support of children who are returning to Burundi UNHCR in collaboration with partners have provided 2396 children with bulletin for easy integration back in Burundi through voluntary repatriation.