A storm severely damaged the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa in Burundi, injuring thirteen students and rendering significant parts of the school unusable. Established in 2022, it is the only secondary institution in the Rubirizi region. Immediate repairs are estimated at approximately $163,000, with alternate arrangements for classes currently in place. The community is mobilizing for assistance to support the recovery efforts and sustain educational access.
A violent storm recently inflicted significant damage on the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa in Burundi, the only technical secondary school in the Rubirizi region. Founded in 2022 by the United Methodist Church, this institution caters to a community of approximately 21,000 inhabitants. The storm, characterized by torrential rains and strong winds, resulted in the hospitalization of thirteen students and rendered many classrooms unusable, with roofs blown off and structural damage affecting the school’s facilities.
The school’s headmaster, Désiré Nirera, reported that the storm, which struck on October 30, caused extensive devastation. In some instances, entire walls and classroom furniture were destroyed. As a consequence, the school is temporarily operating from alternate locations, including the teachers’ lounge and the church premises. Despite limited resources, the school is committed to covering the medical expenses of the injured students, ensuring their recovery.
Rev. Valentine Cimpaye, district superintendent of Bujumbura, emphasized the essential role the school plays for local education. In light of the storm’s destruction, she highlighted the imperative need for repair and support to restore the school to its previous operational state. Immediate assistance is necessary to procure temporary shelters such as tents and sheet metal to facilitate continued education until reconstruction can commence.
The estimated costs for repairs are around 472 million Burundian Francs, equivalent to approximately $163,000 USD. The community’s response to the disaster indicates widespread concern regarding the future of educational opportunities for youth in the region. Students articulated fears about the long-term impacts of the storm, particularly concerning access to essential resources and the psychological well-being of their peers following the traumatic event.
Rev. Cimpaye affirmed ongoing efforts to collaborate with local authorities and organizations for rebuilding initiatives. Preventative measures, including tree planting and improved drainage systems, are also planned to mitigate future storms’ impacts. Additionally, further assistance is being sought from various government entities and United Methodist Church partners as they work towards revitalizing the damaged infrastructure.
The Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa serves as a crucial educational institution in Burundi’s Rubirizi region, which lacks other secondary schools. Established by the United Methodist Church in 2022, it offers programs in electromechanics and works supervision. The school is named in memory of Bishop J. Alfred Ndoricimpa, a significant leader within the denomination who passed away in 2005. In the wake of severe storms that impacted the area, the school faced unprecedented challenges, jeopardizing its infrastructure and the educational progress of its students.
The recent storm in Burundi has highlighted the vulnerability of critical educational facilities to natural disasters. The extensive damage to the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa poses significant challenges to the community’s educational landscape. Immediate interventions are necessary to support impacted students and rehabilitate the school, ensuring that future generations have access to quality education despite the setbacks caused by climate-related events. Community leaders and local organizations are called to action to facilitate the recovery and restoration of this vital institution.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
