Busuma, 16 July 2026 — Does enrolling a child in a Burundian school mean giving up the hope of one day returning home? This question has raised concerns among some refugee families in the Busuma refugee site. To address these fears, JRS Burundi–Tanzania, together with UNHCR, UNICEF, and other education partners, brought together 97 community leaders for an open dialogue on the importance of education and the right to voluntary repatriation.

The message that emerged from the discussions was clear: An educated child will always be better prepared for their future, whether here or elsewhere.

“Education is a fundamental right and the best protection for children’s future.” — UNHCR

The meeting, held on 16 July 2026 from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., formed part of an ongoing awareness campaign promoting access to education among refugee communities in Busuma. It responded to concerns that integrating refugee children into the Burundian education system might discourage or prevent future voluntary repatriation.

The Heart of the Dialogue

During the discussions, UNHCR reassured participants that enrolment in the Burundian education system does not affect refugees’ right to voluntary repatriation. Diplomas and certificates obtained through the national education system remain valuable and can facilitate access to further education and employment, both in the host country and in the event of return.

UNHCR also reminded participants that childhood cannot be put on hold. In many refugee situations around the world, displacement has lasted for decades, making it essential that children continue learning rather than waiting for circumstances to change. An educated child, they emphasized, will always be better prepared to contribute to the development of their community, wherever their future may unfold.

For his part, the JRS Ruyigi Education and Reintegration Assistant highlighted the importance of remedial classes, which help children who have fallen behind in their studies catch up and continue their education with confidence. JRS reaffirmed its commitment to continue awareness campaigns and educational support so that rumours and misinformation do not deprive children of their fundamental right to education.

Community Leaders Call for Continued Awareness

Community leaders acknowledged that many families remain deeply attached to the hope of voluntary return and therefore view integration into the Burundian education system with caution. They encouraged JRS and its partners to continue leading awareness campaigns so that communities receive accurate information from trusted sources.

Participants also recognized that education is essential for their children’s future and agreed that denying children access to school today could have long-term consequences. They further acknowledged that remedial classes provide an important opportunity for children to recover lost learning and continue their educational journey.

A Commitment That Continues

JRS, UNHCR, and their education partners remain committed to continuing awareness-raising activities in Busuma with the following slogans:

“ Together, let us mobilize to ensure that every refugee child has access to education, enabling them to build a better future while preserving their freedom to return to their country when circumstances allow. “