“Every Child in School”
The Bigebose project, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), aimed to improve access to quality education for vulnerable children in 100 schools across Burundi’s Ruyigi Province. The project increased enrollment, attendance, retention, and learning through integrated interventions, including daily school meals, improved literacy instruction, strengthened school infrastructure, inclusive education practices, and community engagement. These interventions supported two strategic objectives:
- Improved literacy of school-aged children (SO1)
- Improved health, nutrition, and learning conditions in schools and communities (SO2)
Bigebose strengthened early-grade literacy through materials distribution, teacher development, and peer tutoring. School feeding activities, supported by local procurement, promoted regular attendance for 53,609 primary and 3,713 preschool students. Investments in WASH facilities, school management, and government
capacity contributed to safer learning environments.
STS evaluated the impact of the school meal program on literacy outcomes and classroom attentiveness and the systems in place to sustain the interventions beyond the life of the project. STS used qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the progress of key program outcomes over the life of the project in 52 sampled schools. These methods assessed if the project was on track to meet its objectives and
provided recommendations for improvements. Tools included an Annual Status of Education Report Reading
Assessment (ASER); surveys for students, school directors, and SMC members; and tools for classroom observation, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews.
In partnership with Catholic Relief Services & USDA
Related Resources
Dates: 2023 – 2025