Severe Storm Devastates United Methodist School in Burundi

A storm severely damaged the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa in Burundi, injuring 13 students and destroying classrooms and facilities. Established in 2022, the school serves as the only secondary education institution in the Rubirizi region. Emergency classes are currently taking place in makeshift locations as the community assesses damage and plans for repairs, estimated to cost $163,000.

A tremendous storm recently devastated the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa located in Burundi’s Rubirizi region, the only secondary school in the area serving approximately 21,000 residents. Established in 2022 by the United Methodist Church, the school suffered severe damage as strong winds and torrential rains demolished classrooms and essential facilities. Thirteen students were injured during this catastrophic event and required hospitalization, while the school community struggles to continue educational activities amidst the destruction.

The storm, which occurred on October 30, dismantled roofs and walls of several school buildings, particularly impacting the electromechanics and works supervision classes. Due to the extensive damages—totaling an estimated 472,000,000 Burundian Francs, or approximately $163,000 USD—the school is not operating at full capacity; some students are temporarily attending classes in makeshift settings like the church and the teachers’ lounge as repairs are urgently needed. The headmaster, Mr. Désiré Nirera, emphasized the dire circumstances, stating, “It’s very huge for us. All the roofs have been blown away and even the frames.”

The importance of this institution is highlighted by Rev. Valentine Cimpaye, the district superintendent, who reaffirmed the church’s initiative to provide local students with accessible education. The community has expressed considerable concern regarding the school’s condition and the potential long-term repercussions of this disaster. Ninteretse Jovanie, a student, articulated the fears of students around the interruption of their studies and the absence of critical facilities for proper sanitation and hygiene management.

Immediate relief efforts have been planned, including the provision of tents and other temporary structures for learning while rebuilding efforts commence. In the longer term, the school will require various construction materials for a complete restoration. Additionally, to prevent future disasters, initiatives such as planting trees around the premises and managing rainwater runoff have been proposed. Support from governmental authorities and church partners is crucial for the reconstruction of the Lycée and to aid those affected by the storm, signifying the broader impact on the region’s infrastructure.

In these challenging times, the resilience of the community and the commitment of the United Methodist Church in Burundi remain essential for navigating this significant setback.

Burundi faces numerous challenges in education, particularly in rural areas like Rubirizi where access to secondary education is limited. The establishment of the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa in 2022 marked a vital step towards increasing educational opportunities for local youth. The storm’s destruction not only compromised academic progress but also posed serious health and safety risks to students and faculty, reflecting broader vulnerabilities in infrastructure within the region.

The devastating storm that impacted the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa highlights the urgent need for support and reconstruction in the aftermath of the destruction. Thirteen injured students and significant damage to the school buildings underscore the critical role this institution plays in the community. As efforts commence to restore the educational environment, collaboration among local authorities, the church, and community members will be vital for ensuring a resilient and effective educational future in Rubirizi.

Original Source: www.umnews.org