Ambassade du Burundi à Prétoria Diplomatie
The Republic of Burundi, which currently holds the Chairmanship of African Union, was well represented at the 11th Africa Day of School Feeding (ADSF) by His Excellency Alexis BUKURU, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Botswana, with residence in Pretoria, South Africa. Ambassador Bukuru participated on behalf of the Government of Burundi and specifically stood in for the Honorable Minister of National Education and Scientific Research of Burundi, H.E. Professor HAVYARIMANA Francois.
A Continental Gathering Focused on Child Development
The 11th edition of Africa Day of School Feeding, held from 28 February to 1 March 2026 in Gaborone, convened high-level delegates from across Africa under the theme: Ensuring Access to Nutritious Meals, Clean Water, and Hygiene: Promoting Safety and Resilience in Every School Meal Investment. The event sought to strengthen the vital role that school feeding programs play in enhancing child health, school attendance, academic performance, and community resilience.
Ambassador Bukuru’s Active Participation
During the forum, Ambassador Alexis BUKURU highlighted Burundi’s commitment to investing in child nutrition and education, emphasizing the powerful connection between nutritious school meals, improved learning outcomes, and long-term societal wellbeing. Ambassador Bukuru articulated Burundi’s ongoing efforts to integrate clean water, sanitation, and hygiene components into school feeding programs—an approach aligned with the event’s theme and endorsed by the African Union ( see his speech).STATEMENT BY THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI 11th ADSF (3)
Representing the Burundian Minister of National Education and Higher Research, Ambassador Bukuru also engaged in bilateral and multilateral discussions with other delegates, sharing best practices and exploring avenues for greater regional cooperation in strengthening school meal systems.
Distinguished Guests and Collaborative Spirit
This year’s Africa Day of School Feeding was graced by eminent personalities including:
- His Honor the Vice President of Botswana , who delivered the keynote address Gaborone- AUC Commissioner ESTI’s Statement – 11th ADSF Technical Day (2)
- The First Lady of Botswana , whose address underscored the importance of nurturing every child and who graciously hosted an official gala dinner in honor of the participants
- Honorable Kebuang Nono Kgafela-Mokoka , Botswana’s Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education
- Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona , Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation at the African Union Commission
- Ministers and officials from various African countries
- Ambassadors and High Commissioners from across the continent
- Senior representatives from UNICEF and AUDA-NEPAD
The presence and active contributions of these dignitaries reinforced the event’s collaborative spirit and its continental significance.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening School Feeding Initiatives
Discussions throughout the event reiterated the necessity of robust investment in school feeding programs as a cornerstone for building resilient, healthy, and educated societies. The integration of nutrition, clean water, and hygiene into every school meal was identified as a top priority, especially in the face of emerging global challenges.
Ambassador Bukuru expressed Burundi’s determination to work in synergy with fellow African nations, international bodies, and development partners such as the African Union, UNICEF, and AUDA-NEPAD to strengthen school feeding initiatives and uphold children’s right to education and health.
Conclusion
The 11th Africa Day of School Feeding was not only a platform for sharing best practices and reaffirming commitments, but also an opportunity to forge stronger collaborations for the future. Through his active participation, Ambassador Alexis BUKURU ensured that Burundi’s voice and vision were both heard and respected, reinforcing the nation’s role as a staunch advocate for child wellbeing and inclusive education in Africa.
