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In Burundi, the education follows a 6-4-3 system, where
the primary school lasts for 6 years, the secondary school
for 4 years and the secondary school for 3 years. According
to UNESCO, in 2008, 13% of the population over 15 years were
illiterate.
Basic education
Children start school the year they turn six. In
principle, primary school is free and compulsory, but
according to the World Bank (2011), only 62% complete
primary school. The national language kirundi (rundi) is the
language of instruction. French is introduced in the 3rd
grade, and French is the language of instruction from the
5th grade.
In the 2010 Education under Attack report, UNESCO
describes the extensive recruitment of child soldiers from
schools in the country.
Higher education
Université du Burundi, founded in 1964, is the leading
university in the country with about 11,000 students. In
recent years, four private universities have also been
established.
Gitega
Gitega, the provincial capital and second largest city in Burundi; 23,000
residents (2012). The city is home to the Catholic Archbishop, several
educational institutions and the National Museum, which houses the country's
traditional royal drums. It is a trading town with some industries.
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