Burundian diaspora in Belgium Meets to discuss relations and Quality Higher Education

Magara Bosco
January 26, 2025

Burundian diaspora members attend the meeting
In collaboration with ARES and the University of Burundi, members of the Burundian diaspora discussed their role in improving higher education in Burundi.
Brussels (Belgium), 25/01/2025 – A special meeting was organized at the ENABEL headquarters, the Belgian development agency, in a friendly atmosphere. The event was led by Burundi’s Ambassador, Ntahiraja Thérence, along with his diplomatic team.
The discussion involved the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES), represented by its coordinator for Burundi, Jean Bogaert, and the University of Burundi (UB). The meeting focused on how the Burundian diaspora could contribute to quality education at UB.
Many participants attended, including Burundian academics living abroad, former professors and students of UB, as well as representatives from educational associations and partner organizations. ARES, which brings together over 120 institutions in Belgium, supports partnerships aimed at promoting quality education in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ambassador Ntahiraja praised the commitment of those who traveled from different countries, including England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, to support education in Burundi. He emphasized the vital role of the diaspora in strengthening the country’s academic sector.
This initiative seeks to enhance educational collaboration and encourage a post-colonial approach by actively involving the diaspora in the development of higher education in Burundi.