Teach. Lead. Transform.
A two-year fellowship that places Burundi's brightest graduates in underserved classrooms—where they teach students, mobilize communities, and become the system-changers Burundi needs.
The LEAD for Burundi Fellowship
The LEAD for Burundi Fellowship is a 2-year full-time leadership development program that recruits Burundi's most outstanding university graduates to teach in underserved schools.
This isn't just a teaching job. It's a transformation—for you, your students, and Burundi's education system.
In two years, you will:
Why Join the Fellowship?
More than a job. A launchpad for a lifetime of impact.
Build a Career of Impact
Redefine your purpose. As a Fellow, you'll grow your skills, build resilience, and launch a career dedicated to changing lives.
Develop Your Leadership
Gain hands-on leadership experience in one of the most challenging and rewarding environments—a classroom where every decision matters.
Join a Global Movement
Connect with the Teach For All network spanning 60+ countries. Access resources, mentorship, and lifelong allies in the fight for education equity.
Transform Communities
Work directly with students, parents, and communities. Design projects that create lasting change beyond the classroom.
Gain Marketable Skills
Communication, problem-solving, resilience, project management—skills that employers across every sector value.
Shape Burundi's Future
Help build the leadership pipeline that will transform Burundi's education system from within. Be part of something historic.
Your Pathway to Leadership
From application to alumni—here's what your Fellowship journey looks like.
APPLY & GET SELECTED
- Rigorous selection from 500+ applicants
- We assess leadership potential, commitment, and cultural fluency
- 6% acceptance rate—we recruit Burundi's best
TRAIN
- 6-week intensive residential training
- 200+ hours of pedagogy, leadership, and community engagement
- Learn classroom management, lesson planning, Ubuntu-based teaching
TEACH
- Full-time placement in an underserved school
- Teach 5-6 classes daily, impacting 100+ students per year
- Live in your placement community (Bujumbura Province, Cibitoke Commune)
GROW
- Weekly coaching from dedicated leadership coaches
- Monthly peer learning sessions with fellow Fellows
- Access to Teach For All global resources
- Design and implement a community impact project (Year 2)
LEAD
- Join the LEAD for Burundi alumni network
- Pathways to school leadership, policy, teacher training, entrepreneurship
- Lifelong support and connection
Who Should Apply?
Eligibility Requirements
- Burundian citizen
- Bachelor's degree from any field of study
- Fluent in Kirundi and French
- Below age 35
- Available for full-time, 2-year commitment
- Willing to live in a rural placement community
We Select For
The Ideal Candidate
You don't need teaching experience. We're looking for exceptional people who believe every Burundian child deserves a quality education—and are willing to do the hard work to make it happen.
What You'll Receive
We invest in our Fellows because we're investing in Burundi's future.
Competitive Stipend
A monthly stipend for the full 2 years, including school holidays. Designed to cover living expenses so you can focus on your students.
Intensive Training
6-week residential pre-service training with accommodation provided. 200+ hours of world-class preparation.
Dedicated Coaching
Weekly 1-on-1 coaching from leadership coaches who support your growth as a teacher and leader.
Peer Community
Monthly peer learning sessions with fellow Fellows. You're never alone on this journey.
Global Network
Access to Teach For All resources and connection to a network spanning 60+ countries.
Certificate & Alumni Support
Recognition of your 2-year commitment plus lifelong career coaching and leadership development.
Life as a LEAD Fellow
What a Typical Week Looks Like
Community Impact Project
In your second year, you'll design and implement a Community Impact Project—addressing a challenge you've observed in your school or community. This is where your leadership takes shape.
Testimonials from Cohort 1 Fellows coming soon.
Applications open January 2027How to Apply
Our selection process identifies exceptional leaders committed to transforming education.
Online Application
Submit your application including background information, academic records, and essay responses. We review for eligibility and mission alignment.
Online Assessment
Complete a critical thinking assessment and written responses that help us understand your problem-solving abilities and motivation.
In-Person Assessment
Join us for a full-day Assessment Center including group activities, a sample teaching demonstration, and an interview.
Selection & Offer
Selected candidates receive an offer to join the Fellowship. You'll confirm your commitment and prepare for training.
Cohort 1 Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Fellowship
A 2-year full-time leadership development program that places Burundi's best graduates as teachers in underserved schools. It's designed to develop leaders who will transform Burundi's education system from within.
The first year focuses on building teaching skills and trust within your community. The second year deepens your impact through a community project. Two years is the minimum needed to create lasting change for your students.
It's more than a job—it's a leadership development program. You will teach full-time, but you'll also receive intensive training, coaching, and support to grow as a leader who can drive systemic change.
Eligibility & Selection
No. We recruit from all disciplines except Education. We'll train you to be an effective teacher during our intensive pre-service training program.
No. In fact, we prefer candidates from non-Education backgrounds. We're looking for diverse perspectives and experiences that you'll bring to the classroom.
Yes, applicants must be below 35 years old at the time of application.
If you're currently teaching in a government school in our target area, you may be eligible. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Training & Support
Yes. All Fellows complete a 6-week intensive pre-service training (July–August) covering pedagogy, classroom management, lesson planning, community engagement, and Ubuntu-based leadership.
You'll receive weekly 1-on-1 coaching from dedicated leadership coaches, monthly peer learning sessions with fellow Fellows, access to Teach For All global resources, and ongoing professional development.
Cohort 1 Fellows will be placed in underserved schools in Bujumbura Province, Cibitoke Commune. You cannot choose your specific school, but you'll be matched based on community needs.
Compensation & Logistics
Yes. Fellows receive a competitive monthly stipend for the full 2 years, including school holidays. The stipend is designed to cover living expenses in your placement community.
Accommodation is provided during pre-service training (July–August). During your placement, you're responsible for your own housing, but the stipend is designed to cover living expenses in rural communities.
Yes. The Fellowship follows the Burundian school calendar and requires full-time commitment. You cannot hold another job during the Fellowship.
After the Fellowship
Fellows become LEAD for Burundi alumni and join our leadership network. We support alumni in pursuing careers in education, policy, social entrepreneurship, school leadership, and more.
No. The Fellowship is separate from government teacher recruitment. If you wish to continue teaching in government schools, you would apply through the Ministry of Education.
Fellows receive a LEAD for Burundi Certificate of Completion recognizing your 2-year commitment, leadership development, and classroom impact.
Ready to Transform Burundi's Future?
Join a movement of leaders who are changing education one classroom at a time.
Applications open January 2027