Before the journalists' microphones, Dr Ndirahisha expressed her fury over images that have circulated in recent days on social media showing some students wearing torn uniforms after the 2019 State examination. "We must do everything to discourage this," she said.

With much regret, the Minister of Education, Technical and Vocational Training indicated that this situation will not go unnoticed.

"These students have shown to national and international opinion an attitude of sabotage of Burundian culture and tradition. They have demonstrated that they are impolite and respect nothing. They have shown as if in our country Burundi there is no education. We will not support this at all. The competent authorities will take the necessary measures to eradicate this behavior among young people," she stated.

Ms. Ndirahisha called on parents to provide good moral preparation for their children.

63% is the pass rate for the national competition, 2019 edition

92,406 candidates including autodidacts took part this year in the national competition giving access to post-primary education. This represents a participation rate of 99.7% compared to expected candidates. 58,001 out of 92,406 successful candidates obtained the minimum score required to be admitted to post-primary education.

Students who obtained a score equal to or greater than 100 points out of 200 will be assigned to public secondary schools with boarding regimes.

The Minister of Education, Technical and Vocational Training congratulated the successful candidates who passed the national competition. She invited students who wish to repeat the year to consult school administrators in order to be re-enrolled.

By Prosper Aobe