In her speech, the First Lady encouraged students to demonstrate responsibility and adopt respectful behavior with their future in mind
On February 19, 2025, First Lady H.E. Angeline Ndayishimiye led an unprecedented awareness campaign at Lycée du Saint-Esprit, addressing crucial topics such as prevention of pregnancies in schools, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, vaccination, and Mpox. This event aims to strengthen awareness in educational institutions on these essential health issues.
During his speech, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Burundi, Dr. Xavier Cresper, expressed hope that this initiative, championed by the First Lady, will encourage political leaders to pay more attention to the health needs of young people aged 10 to 19. He emphasized that this campaign could serve as a springboard to accelerate actions promoting adolescent health and encourage them to take charge of their future, highlighting WHO’s commitment to supporting the Burundian government in developing and implementing policies and strategies focused on improving youth health.
The Minister of Education, François Havyarimana, also praised this initiative while thanking the First Lady for her commitment. He highlighted the positive impact of these sessions, noting that they had contributed to a significant decrease in pregnancies among students.
In her speech, the First Lady encouraged students to demonstrate responsibility and adopt respectful behavior with their future in mind. She emphasized the importance of protecting themselves against diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Mpox, which remain public health concerns in Burundi.
“Focus on your studies, because your future is being built today. Do not let outside manipulations compromise your academic ambitions,” she stated with conviction. In conclusion, First Lady H.E. Angeline Ndayishimiye urged young people to work hard to ensure their personal success and that of their families, emphasizing the importance of education in building a better future.