WASHINGTON, July 30, 2024 — A new World Bank-financed project focusing on nutrition, healthcare, and education aims to empower boys and girls in Burundi through improved access to quality services. The initiative is expected to benefit an estimated 13.2 million people over five years, including 1.9 million refugees and host communities.
The project will enhance the supply and access to education and health services across the country, leading to better outcomes for children and contributing to a healthier, more educated workforce.
The project includes cross-cutting interventions that leverage technology to strengthen implementation and monitoring activities, promote citizen engagement, and adopt a multidimensional approach to closing the gender gap. Key activities will be jointly implemented by the health and education sectors, following principles of co-location (same settings), co-action (same course of action), and co-utilization (same tools). These initiatives will incorporate best practices in early childhood development, health team interventions in schools, targeting vulnerable populations, and expanding performance-based financing in education.
“The project supports the government's development plans, aligns with global climate goals, and addresses the needs of underserved populations and vulnerable learners including refugees. By investing in human capital, the project will foster economic stability and social cohesion, driving long-term development and resilience in Burundi,” says Hawa Wagué, World Bank Country Manager for Burundi.
Additionally, the project aims to improve governance and management in the health and education sectors through technical assistance, resource pooling, and universal health coverage. Investment in education is expected to yield higher returns with better employment opportunities; an additional year of schooling can increase income by 15%, with higher levels of education offering even greater economic returns. Education also strengthens societies by improving human capital for future generations, empowering women, potentially reducing fertility rates, thereby enabling greater investment in each child's health and education.
This first human capital project with a record $227.6 million funding for Burundi ($200 million from an IDA grant and $27.6 million from Global Partnership for Education trust fund) builds on recent achievements in health and education projects.
* The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps low-income countries by providing grants and low-to-zero-interest loans for projects that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for its 75 client countries; since 1960 it has provided $552 billion to 115 countries. Annual commitments have averaged about $36 billion over FY21-FY23 with approximately 75% going to Africa. Learn more online: https://ida.worldbank.org #IDAworks.
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