The Context
Burundi is a landlocked country in East Africa and remains among the world’s least developed economies. Structural challenges, including limited infrastructure, widespread poverty, and restricted access to resources, continue to affect the country’s social and economic development.
Education is widely recognized as a key driver of progress and social inclusion. In recent years, national authorities have strengthened their commitment to the education sector, aiming to improve access and quality across all levels. Despite these efforts, major challenges persist, particularly in rural areas, where schools often face shortages of equipment, weak connectivity, limited learning materials, and a lack of trained teachers.
Gender disparities remain a critical concern. Socio-economic pressures and early pregnancies still contribute to school dropout among girls, reducing their opportunities for continued education and long-term empowerment. With the support of international partners, including UNICEF, Burundi continues to promote more equitable and inclusive education systems, with a focus on ensuring that children and young people, especially those in vulnerable contexts, can acquire essential skills to participate fully in society and build sustainable livelihoods.
ST Foundation’s Presence
The ST Foundation has been active in Burundi since 2009 through its Digital Unify Program, working to expand access to digital skills within secondary schools and technical institutions. From the outset, the initiative has focused on strengthening learning environments by introducing basic ICT competencies and digital tools in contexts where access to technology remains limited.
Over the years, the Foundation has built strong and lasting partnerships with local educational stakeholders, progressively expanding its presence across the country. This long-term engagement has ensured continuity of activities and contributed to the development of a stable network of schools, trainers, and learners.
In 2022, the introduction of the Tablet for Kids course marked an important step forward, extending the program’s reach to younger students and supporting the early development of digital skills. This initiative complements the Digital Unify Program by addressing learning needs earlier. Further details are available in the dedicated section of our website.
Throughout the years, the DU Labs network continued to adapt to local demand, ensuring that training opportunities remained accessible and relevant for all beneficiaries. The program has demonstrated strong engagement across centers, with trainers actively contributing to course delivery and reinforcing a strong sense of local ownership.
As of the end of March 2026, the program has reached a total of 173,307 beneficiaries, confirming its sustained impact and the continued relevance of digital education across the country.
