While last Saturday, Yaga, in collaboration with UNICEF Burundi, prepared the last part of the competition of ideas about school life “Oui! Mais…”, this writer took care of the youth and the choice of the young people who participated that race reminded him of his sixth year in high school. He said: “There is no place to make a baby”.
I have done the National Concours for the 2000-2001 school year. Twenty-three years later. Again, those years are not few. so at that time, the sixth year would be very important. You should be prepared accordingly. So, in the fifth year, the parents, even the teachers, did not give us any money. They all say: “If you come on Friday, you won’t be prosperous in the competition”.
Even the fifth one they say wasn’t easy! That was the year we started learning everything,except the subject of Kirundi,in French. A dressed passes. From “in subjects identify the province”, to “Etudes du milieu”, from “on the rukiramende”, to “rectangle” in mathematics, I swear not everyone votes. I am among them. Where I study, in Ngagara, the seventh neighborhood (on Makumbanya, the teachers of the fifth grade were strict, their grade was not to be taken down.
But I was lucky enough to be pleasant with French, but I found math arduous. I’m not going there to pretend to be among the top. Don’t! When the day came to announce the grades, they called and they were tired, and when they reached me I forgot what was happening to me. but that year, I got a promotion.
But I went with it and skipped
The parent looked at the bulletin, saw the grades, and swore that he would not take them to Saturday. He teased me: “Here you are, boy. Accept my advice, get good grades, and on Saturday, you will pass the contest. No one will see where you went. I even agree to buy you a bicycle, walking sticks, and a ball to play with”. When I heard the bike, the response was: “Mutaaa…I’m tired.”
As promised, I left. But that was not the only thing that stayed in my mind, instead I decided to regret it, when I saw my classmates rejecting me at school. On Fridays,behind the fields,they don’t wear uniforms. Do you have time to relax for them? This made me sad, sometimes I cried. he also asked me, when they asked us to study the teacher’s questions, he shouted at us and said: “If you knew, wouldn’t you be where the others were?”
I faked a lot of anger to get out of the mess. The math was hard for me, and I was surprised to learn it. The “Bulletin” was no longer ridiculous. I was in the top five. But it doesn’t have much effect, because they say, “Nothing new, you’re bored. If you didn’t pick it up, we would have given up.”
After I finished fifth grade, I didn’t notice that the break was over and we started sixth grade. When I arrived, I was very sad not to go to the school of a teacher from congo named Kibambi who was very popular. He teaches well,loves children. But I had to learn to love. We studied together with brainwashing.
On the day of the “Concours” there will be a race
I would say that the night before the test day that I slept well I would be lying. I kept wondering if it was too late. It’s gone a long time ago and it’s gone. I throw on a clean uniform and go to school. the threat is everywhere. On the way, I wondered if I would find other quiet people studying last.I was surprised to see some people throwing the ball around, others acting like it was normal. Well, I went in and played. That made me nervous, and the fear of the question got the better of me. when they brought up the issue, I found out that we had already done a lot of it. “Is this the “contest” that threatened us?” I wondered. Not to brag but I knocked it down. when it came to grading, I got just over 80 percent.
but I kept that zeal even in the years that followed. after 23 years of being in these things, I believe that the best results come from fun activities. It’s like saying, “He who wants to be buried, will be buried.”
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Education Expert on the “Oui! Mais…” Initiative
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our interview series. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Alain Ndayisaba, an education expert and advocate for youth advancement. Dr. Ndayisaba, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Alain Ndayisaba (DAN): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the recent ”Oui! Mais…” initiative and its implications for our youth.
TNE: Last Saturday, Yaga, in collaboration with UNICEF Burundi, organized a competition aimed at enhancing school life. Can you tell us how events like thes benefit young people in Burundi?
DAN: Absolutely! events like “Oui! Mais…” provide a vital platform for young individuals to express their ideas and challenges regarding their educational experiences. It encourages critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills, which are essential in today’s world. Moreover, it fosters a sense of community among the participants, helping them realize they are not alone in their struggles.
TNE: One participant reflected on their experience from when they were preparing for the National Concours back in 2000-2001, stating it felt like there was “no place to make a baby” during that intense preparation period. What do you think they meant by that?
DAN: That’s a poignant statement. It highlights how high-stakes environments,like preparing for a national exam,can feel overwhelming for students. The pressure to succeed can overshadow the normal joys of youth.It suggests a need for a balanced approach to education—where academic rigor does not come at the expense of personal development and well-being.
TNE: The participant mentioned that teachers and parents not providing financial support was a common sentiment, with concerns that success would be out of reach. How do financial constraints affect students’ performance and their overall educational journey?
DAN: Financial constraints can significantly hinder a student’s ability to access resources, such as study materials and tutoring, which in turn affects their confidence and performance. it creates an inequitable habitat where not all students can thrive, despite their potential. Addressing these financial barriers is crucial for creating a fair educational landscape.
TNE: Looking back at the sixth-year preparation period, could you elaborate on why that time is crucial in a student’s education?
DAN: The sixth year typically serves as a pivotal moment in a student’s educational journey.It’s when they consolidate their learning and prepare for the crucial exams that determine their future academic paths.This period should ideally be supported with both academic guidance and emotional support to help students navigate the pressures effectively.
TNE: what key changes do you think need to be made to the educational system in Burundi to support students better, especially during these intense preparation periods?
DAN: We need a multi-faceted approach. First, we must invest in teacher training to equip educators with tools to support not just academic growth but also emotional well-being. Second, implementing mentorship programs can provide students with guidance and reassurance during critical times. Lastly, creating a more supportive and collaborative environment where families can engage positively with the educational process is vital.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Ndayisaba. Your insights shed light on the essential support structures needed for our youth to thrive. It’s a complex issue, but your advocacy for education reform is inspiring.
DAN: Thank you for having me! Together, we can work towards a brighter future for our students.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for joining us in this enlightening conversation about the future of education in Burundi!