School aunties at work to ensure continuity of education in Cibitoke province

Through Komezawige programme, a multi-year education resilience programme in emergencies that is funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), World Vision Burundi implements School Uncles and Aunties model that aims at offering targeted psychosocial support services in schools for students and teachers in need (listening, counselling, and referral to specialized services).

Empowering Girls Through School Aunties

At a local school in Rugombo commune, Cibitoke province, Josephine, is a school Auntie. She is glad to share timely support with young school girls whenever they turn to her.

“In the past, when the menstrual period occurred while young girls were at school, they did not have a school adult to whom they would turn for advice or support. Most of the time, they would be stigmatized by schoolboys. They were psychologically affected and some of them would drop out”, says Josephine.

“In some discussions organized, boys are invited and we let them know it's not okay to make fun of girls when they realize that they are in their menstrual period. Such discussions have brought a positive impact; girls support each other through advice or come to me for support and sometimes, I can ask permission to go home from the school principal on their behalf once they do not feel well”, adds Josephine.

Dignity Pads and Supportive School Aunties

According to Josephine, her school used to have dignity pads. They were provided to anyone in need and this aided them in not breaking from learning.  The programme of school aunties also helps provide advice to young girls not to engage in acts that would lead to unwanted and early pregnancies.

The lack of dignity pads had made Jeanine, 14, miss school days.  Her parents had no money to provide such much-needed pads.

“Through the programme, I was given 5 reusable dignity pads. I feel supported and this encourages me to go far with learning. Whenever, I have an uncertainty I turn to Josephine, and I feel supported through her advice », the young girl joyfully shares.

In areas where the World Vision project operates through Cibitoke province, 492 psychosocial assistant volunteers (school uncles and aunties) are at work.

Such endeavours nurture hope for reduced dropouts among school children and hence fostering improved school performance.