GITEGA, Jan 7 (ABP) – The recent measure taken by the governor of Gitega province, Liboire Bigirimana, requiring students from the 7th grade onward to wear closed shoes and socks, has been sufficiently implemented in Gitega Commune (the political capital and center of Burundi).
On Monday, January 5, 2026, the first day of the start of the second-term school session, the administrator of Gitega commune, Jacques Nduwimana, accompanied by education officials in Gitega commune, carried out a visit to Mugutu basic school (ECOFO Mugutu) to check whether students had complied with the call to wear closed shoes, an appropriate school uniform, and socks.
Administrator Nduwimana observed that the students were wearing school uniforms, closed-toe shoes, and socks. He took the opportunity to urge them to maintain personal hygiene at all times.
After this visit, ABP went to other schools in order to make observations. It was therefore noted that in most schools, students complied with the call to wear school uniforms, closed footwear, and socks. On the other hand, students who did not comply with these instructions, particularly at Sainte-Thérèse de Nyabututsi basic school, were sent home, as were children who came to school without having shaved their hair, from the first year through higher grades.
Although this measure is restrictive, some parents say they are satisfied to see their children well dressed. Nyandwi Rosalie explained that she had to sell a goat she owned in order to buy closed shoes for her daughter, even though traders at the market took advantage of the situation to raise prices. She added that children who go to school well dressed are valued and respected.
On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, ABP also observed that in schools in the city of Gitega, children are wearing closed shoes. It also noted that school administrators and teachers were making efforts to ensure that students come to school properly dressed, in accordance with the instructions given to them.