UN operation in Burundi sponsors new projects aimed at spurring education

The United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) is funding nearly a dozen new initiatives aimed at boosting education and health across eight provinces in the country, which is stabilizing despite continued rebel activities.

Known as “Quick Impact Projects,” these small-scale endeavours serve to build peace at the grass-roots level. The new projects recently announced by ONUB involve rehabilitating primary schools, constructing new classrooms and sanitation systems, refurbishing college facilities, stocking libraries, and the installation of a water supply system at the Nyakabugu Health Centre.

ONUB is mandated to help Burundians restore lasting peace and bring about national reconciliation. The Security Council recently extended the mission through mid-2006, noting that despite the recent election of a democratic government in Burundi, the rebel Palipehutu-National Liberation Forces (Palipehutu-FNL) has yet to join the peace process.