Education as a Lifeline: Open Schools Worldwide in Burundi

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From Poverty to Purpose 

Growing up in poverty in Burundi, Irene Nuyukuri woke up every morning praying for God to open doors for him. Irene lost his father when he was very young and had to work to help support his mother and siblings. But he desired an education. God heard Irene’s prayers and provided the opportunity to go to school. Today, as the country facilitator for TeachBeyond’s Open Schools Worldwide program in Burundi, Irene is being used by God to open doors for other impoverished children through education. 

These doors aren’t physical. There is no school building; no roof, no walls. The children gather under the trees, surrounded by the care of volunteer tutors. It’s not a traditional school experience, but it is effective. 

“Everywhere that a child can feel secure, the child can be taught,” explained Irene. 

Addressing Educational Challenges in Burundi 

Around the world, more than 270 million children are out of school, and children in sub-Saharan Africa make up nearly one-third (28%) of that number (UNESCO, 2025). Burundi is among the poorest nations, not only in this region, but in the world (IMF, 2026). The country has a rapidly growing population, which means children truly are the future of Burundi. But with more than half of primary school students dropping out before completion (HALI Access Network, 2020), what that future looks like is unclear. 

Open Schools Worldwide has a mission to bring hope to these children and their families through education and an introduction to the gospel. It operates 4 projects across Burundi, equipping local volunteers to teach a curriculum that provides foundational literacy and numeracy. To date, these projects have helped 260 children learn to read and write, giving them the skills they need to pursue further education. 

“My hope for these children is that, in five to 10 years, I hope that most of them will be at universities or secondary school,” Irene said. “That also will create an opportunity for them to become what God has created them or has made them to become in their future.” 

How Learning Restores Hope 

Irene considers education a lifeline, and he has witnessed students’ lives be transformed through learning. One of those students is Thierry, a 6-year-old boy who had dropped out of public school because his family couldn’t afford books. Thierry joined the program unable to recognize letters. He was angry and at risk of being left behind. But with the patient instruction of his tutor, he can now read and write. He is growing in confidence and beginning to understand the love of his Heavenly Father. 

Another boy, Jean, lost both his parents at a young age and went to live with his grandmother in the mountains. She had no money for school fees, uniforms or books, and Jean became one of many Burundian children who drop out of school. He felt hopeless and invisible. 

When Jean first joined the Open Schools Worldwide program, he couldn’t identify the letters of the alphabet. He was embarrassed and ashamed. Two years later, Jean reads and writes with confidence.  

“When I see a child reading for the first time, I'm very excited,” Irene said. “And I feel like in my heart, I have achieved my goal. Because my first goal is to see them reading and writing.” 

Reaching the Nations One Student at a Time 

Open Schools Worldwide is sharing the love of Christ through a safe and nurturing educational environment. Students like Jean and Thierry are beginning to understand that their value is not tied to their circumstances. They are discovering that their true identity is in Christ. They feel seen. They have hope.  

Join TeachBeyond during its annual Day of Giving on November 12 to reach even more children on the margins. A $75 gift provides a full year of education for one more student, and thanks to donor matching, that gift will go 3X as far. TeachBeyond and Open Schools Worldwide are reaching the nations through education. Will you join us?