Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Burundi, school is compulsory for primary school, which lasts 9 years. Public primary schools are free to attend, though families need to pay for school uniforms and school supplies. At the secondary level, both public and private schools charge tuition.
In terms of education financing, domestic revenue and donor funds first flow to the Ministry of Finance, which then allocates resources to the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research (MENRS) distributes funds to provincial directorates, which in turn allocate resources to district directorates. From there, funds reach primary schools for basic education. Separately, the Ministry of Finance also channels resources to the National Investment Fund for Communes (FONIC), which provides financing directly to communes. These communes use the funds for the construction and rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
The Ministry of Education allocates funds to schools and provincial and communal directorates based on the number of schools and students, covering operational costs and primary school grants. Besides the central and 18 provincial governments, 129 decentralised communes also participate in renovating and constructing primary and secondary schools through a planning process separate from the Ministry, funded by the National Investment Funds for Communes (FONIC). However, there is no information on any funding mechanism from the central government to local governments that incorporates equity considerations.
2. Education resources to schools
“Twige Twese” Fundamental Education Programme
The Twige Twese Fundamental Education Programme, launched in 2025 by Burundi’s Ministry of Education in partnership with UNICEF, the French Development Agency, and the EU, focuses on rehabilitating and equipping 350 inclusive classrooms, reintegrating out-of-school children and adolescents, and combating gender-based violence in schools. It targets vulnerable children, with special emphasis on girls and those in remote areas.
The Inclusive Education Unit of Burundi's Ministry of Education, established by statutory order in 2015, aims to provide tailored education opportunities to children with disabilities by promoting access to basic education, inclusion in mainstream schools, and specialised support such as teacher training and adapted learning materials. The unit's objectives include ensuring that education is adapted to the needs and potential of children with disabilities, fostering social inclusion, and preparing these students for decent socio-professional futures. The programme is part of a broader strategy, supported by partners like Handicap International.
3. Education resources to students and families
No information was found on Ministry of Education programmes that transfer resources directly to disadvantaged students or households.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Merankabandi
The Merankabandi Cash Transfer Programme is the Government of Burundi’s national social safety net initiative, providing cash transfers to chronically poor households alongside community-based nutrition, social and behaviour change (SBC) and livelihoods support. Originally piloted from 2018 to 2022 with World Bank funding and technical assistance from UNICEF and partners, the programme targeted 56,090 extremely poor and vulnerable households across four provinces—Gitega, Karuzi, Kirundo, and Ruyigi. Eligibility focused on households with children under 12 years old, aiming to reduce stunting in younger children and support school attendance for older children. The programme is still being implemented with an end date scheduled for 2029.
The National Solidarity Ministry, with support from UNICEF and NGOs, helps establish local committees to protect children and connect orphaned children to an integrated package of services, including education (school kits), training, health, nutrition, psychosocial, and legal support. The programme is still in place as of 2024.
5. School meal programmes
Programme national d’alimentation scolaire - National School Feeding Programme (PNAS)
The National School Feeding Programme, launched in 2008, is implemented by the Ministry of Education through the National Directorate of School Canteens, with support from the World Food Programme (WFP). School meals are targeted based on grade levels (pre-school, primary, and lower secondary) and socio-economic and educational indicators of schools, with supervision by nutritionists. According to the 2022-2030 Education Sector Plan, the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research (MENRS) plans to expand school nutrition programmes in the poorest areas, increasing funding for these programs by 67% over the next ten years.
