Burundi students start compulsory service

BBC World Service, Monday 10 August 1998, published at 15:52 GMT 16:52 UK

Nearly six-thousand school leavers in Burundi have begun a year-long programme of military education and community service which they must complete before going to university.

The government of Major Buyoya launched the programme last year to help increase security in Burundi, particularly at camps for displaced people.

But students this year will also be carrying out some community service tasks such as helping with teaching, nursing and building houses.