Project overview 

Building on more than a decade of experience in education through sport, the AMEP project aims to improve access to quality education and school retention for children in vulnerable communities in Burundi. Launched in 2016, AMEP responds to persistent challenges such as school dropout, limited access to learning resources and social exclusion, particularly in rural and underserved areas. 
 
The project leverages Playdagogy, Play International’s educational methodology, which integrates sport, play and experiential learning to strengthen cognitive, social and emotional skills. AMEP creates bridges between formal and non-formal education by introducing structured socio-sportive activities that reinforce learning, motivation and inclusion. 
 
Implemented across 15 municipalities in 8 provinces, AMEP places sport at the heart of local educational ecosystems and positions it as a driver of engagement, well-being and long-term school attendance. 

Project objectives 

• Strengthen children’s access to and retention in school through play-based educational activities. 
• Promote inclusive education by combating discrimination and raising awareness among children, teachers and communities. 
• Equip educators with innovative pedagogical tools using sport as a vector for education and social development. 
• Improve educational environments through coordinated school and community action. 

Sport and education component: Playdagogy 

• Regular socio-sportive sessions adapted to children’s age and learning needs. 
• Activities developing concentration, cooperation, confidence and problem-solving skills. 
• Use of play to reinforce academic learning and essential life skills. 
• Inclusive approaches ensuring participation of children at risk of exclusion. 

Capacity building and community mobilisation 

• Training of 60 local facilitators in Playdagogy methodologies. 
• Awareness-raising sessions for teachers on education through sport. 
• Community outreach on the importance of schooling. 
• Partnership with Bibliothèques Sans Frontières to improve access to educational resources. 

Target beneficiaries 

Direct beneficiaries: children in youth centres and partner schools; educators and facilitators. 
Indirect beneficiaries: families, communities, education authorities and youth organisations. 

Scale and expected impact 

• More than 15,000 children reached. 
• 210 education professionals trained. 
• Improved school attendance and reduced dropout risks. 
• Strengthened school-community links.