Kigutu International Academy

The Kigutu International Academy is a secondary boarding school that will develop a new generation of problem-solvers, change-makers and entrepreneurial leaders for Burundi. The Academy is located near the small village of Kigutu on the expansive campus of Village Health Works. About 100 kilometers south of Bujumbura, the Academy is nestled in lush mountains and overlooks beautiful Lake Tanganyika.

KIA will offer a transformative education for young Burundians. Highlights of the Academy include: a curriculum focused on building critical 21st century skills such as team-work, communication and critical thinking; project-based and experiential learning using Village Health Works as the classroom; hands-on experience operating small enterprises, particularly in agriculture; instruction in English, with exposure to French and Swahili; and a focus on science, technology and math.

The Academy will open its doors in October 2020 to young people from across Burundi with demonstrated academic and leadership potential. Students will gain the skills and competencies needed to lead in a complex and changing world, as well as solid grounding in traditional subject areas.

The Academy’s 4-year program will prepare students to lead locally and compete alongside the best in the world, providing pathways to universities in Africa and the US. Launching with a small pilot class of around 30 students, the Academy aims to grow to around 250 students. KIA’s innovative approach to teaching and learning will serve as a model for Burundi; once established, it will provide innovative teacher training to educators from across Burundi and the region. Please see: https://www.kigutuinternationalacademy.org/