Burundi : French and English removed from the state exam for the maths-statistics section

The two languages ​​were normally part of the other subjects that final year secondary school math and statistics pupils took for the state exam. This year, these two subjects will not be part of the tests. This is the content of a press release from the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research dated June 19, 2024. The decision was poorly received by parents and teachers’ unions. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The minister’s letter was sent to all provincial directors of education.
For the maths-statistics section, the subjects which will be tested in the state exam are mathematics, statistics, probability, computer science and civic education.

French and English are excluded.

François Havyarimana explains on the other hand that these subjects will be included for subsequent editions and in all sections.

This letter from the Minister of Education gives no explanation regarding the reason for this measure.

Some language course teachers are outraged and find this measure senseless, which risks calling their work into question.

“The lessons are generally given in French. We only have one hour per week while in class we only speak French. But this is not a reason to cross these lessons off the list of tests”, laments a teacher of French.

Some parents fear that the situation will get worse at a time when pupils currently seem to be suffering from neglect in the use of the French language. The evidence is that even in universities, students are unable to express themselves easily in French, explains a parent of students.

Teachers’ unions believe that languages ​​should have great value in teaching rather than neglecting them. Burundi being a member of the East African Community, it should also encourage the population to become familiar with it, especially English which is becoming more and more used in various communications.

The state exam for this year will take place from July 9 to 12.