Severe Storm Devastates United Methodist School in Burundi

A severe storm has severely damaged the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa in Burundi, which is the only secondary school in the Rubirizi region. Established in 2022, the school suffered extensive structural damage, leading to thirty students being injured and requiring hospitalization. The community is mobilizing efforts to raise funds, estimated at $163,000 USD, for repairs, and concerns are growing over the school’s capability to function following the disaster.

The Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa technical school in Burundi, established in 2022, has sustained significant damage due to a severe storm that swept through the region. As the only secondary school in Rubirizi, which is home to approximately 21,000 residents, its loss is felt profoundly throughout the community. The storm, characterized by torrential rain and violent winds, resulted in the roofs being torn off two buildings, with five classrooms suffering structural failure, including the loss of walls and toilets. Thirteen students required hospitalization for injuries sustained during the incident, highlighting the storm’s impact on student safety.

Following the storm on October 30, school headmaster Désiré Nirera assessed the situation and reported extensive damage. “It’s very huge for us. All the roofs have been blown away and even the frames. The benches/desks (were) broken. The walls, too, are on the ground,” he stated. The school remains partially functional, with classes being held in makeshift areas, including a church and the administration office, amid ongoing concerns about the educational disruptions and lack of resources.

In response to the damage, an estimated cost of 472,000,000 Burundian Francs, approximately $163,000 USD, has been projected for repairs. The district superintendent, the Rev. Valentine Cimpaye, underscored the importance of the school in the community, noting, “The church took the initiative to reinforce the government so that pupils could find a place where they could continue their studies close to their homes.”

Students and community members express their concerns regarding the loss of educational facilities, with some students stressing the negative effects on their academic journey. To mitigate the immediate challenges, there is an urgent need for temporary structures such as tents and building materials. Long-term rebuilding efforts will require a comprehensive strategy to restore the school to full functionality, ensure the safety of its students, and provide a stable learning environment for the future.

The Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa serves as a critical educational facility within the Rubirizi region of Burundi. Established by The United Methodist Church in the Burundi Conference in 2022, it provides essential secondary education to a population with limited access to such services. The school caters to students in key technical fields such as electromechanics and works supervision, embodying a significant investment in local education and community development. The unfortunate storm that caused extensive damage to the school underscores the vulnerabilities faced by educational infrastructure in the region, particularly against adverse weather conditions. This event emphasizes the necessity for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in Burundi.

The destruction of the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa due to severe weather has raised significant concerns regarding educational access and student safety in the Rubirizi region of Burundi. The damage, which includes the loss of classrooms and injuries to students, necessitates urgent repair efforts estimated at approximately $163,000 USD. As the only secondary school in the area, the institution’s recovery is essential not only for the affected students but for the broader community reliant on its services. Continued advocacy for resources and support from local authorities and organizations is crucial to restore the facility and ensure a secure educational environment for future generations.

Original Source: www.umnews.org