Burundi : towards the admission of equivalence of diplomas for Congolese refugees

Burundi is preparing to introduce a major measure in favor of the socio-economic integration of Congolese refugees on its soil : the granting of equivalence of their diplomas. This initiative raises high expectations among beneficiaries, who hope that it will facilitate their integration into local education and employment systems. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

Refugees with diplomas express their gratitude to the Burundian government, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organizations involved in this project.

As part of this initiative, a delegation from the Burundian Ministry of Education recently organized awareness campaigns in Congolese refugee camps.

“The objective was to inform all graduates about the importance of requesting the equivalence of their diplomas. Once these diplomas are recognized, some will be able to continue their higher education, while others will have the opportunity to apply for jobs,” explained members of the commission.

This measure has generated great enthusiasm among refugees. Juslin, a graduate of the Higher Institute of Pedagogy of Bukavu in South Kivu in eastern Congo, sees this opportunity as a real chance : “With my teaching diploma obtained in the DRC, I could not teach in Burundian schools. But if I obtain an equivalence, I will probably submit my application to teach. I have just been offered a good opportunity in the Burundian education system,” he says.

An opportunity for young people and professionals

Marie (19 years old) is among the beneficiaries. She hopes to continue her university studies thanks to the recognition of her secondary diploma. Having fled to Burundi with her certificate, she sees this measure as an opportunity to realize her academic ambitions.

Théophile, a computer engineer, also shares his hopes :
“My experience as an engineer was enriching before fleeing to Burundi. The non-recognition of my diploma made my job search difficult. I participated in community workshops to share my computer skills with young people. If I obtain the equivalence, I could work in a company or launch technological projects that benefit the community. This would help me integrate more and contribute to local development,” he explains.

Context and issues

Burundi hosts approximately 90,000 refugees, mainly from the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than half of this population is made up of young people. The educational landscape is complex, with two coexisting systems : that of the refugee camps, based on the Congolese educational model, and the Burundian national system. Obtaining the equivalence of diplomas is essential to enable the successful and sustainable integration of refugees.