Severe Storm Causes Extensive Damage to United Methodist School in Burundi
A storm struck the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa in Burundi, injuring 13 students and damaging the school extensively. As the only secondary school in the Rubirizi region, its destruction poses a serious threat to education for local youth. Immediate repairs are needed, with costs estimated at around $163,000, and temporary facilities are required for ongoing classes while reconstruction is pursued.
A violent storm recently devastated the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa in Burundi, a crucial educational institution in the Rubirizi region. Established in 2022, this United Methodist technical school serves as the only secondary education provider for approximately 21,000 residents. The storm resulted in significant destruction, including the complete loss of roofs and substantial infrastructure damage, injuring 13 students who required hospitalization. The headmaster, Désiré Nirera, reported that classes have been disrupted, with students now forced to study in makeshift locations such as the church and teacher lounges. Urgent repairs are necessary, estimated at about 472 million Burundian Francs (approximately $163,000). Efforts to rebuild the school are underway, but immediate supplies and temporary facilities are needed to continue education while reconstruction occurs, highlighting the community’s desperation for support.
The Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa, located approximately 13 kilometers from Bujumbura, Burundi’s economic capital, holds significant importance as it is the sole secondary school in the Rubirizi region. Founded by the United Methodist Church, it offers educational programs in electromechanics and works supervision. The recent storm not only compromised the safety and functionality of the school but has also raised concerns among families regarding the continuity of their children’s education. Aiming for rehabilitation, school administrators are advocating for immediate assistance and long-term reconstruction plans to create a safe learning environment for students.
In conclusion, the devastation of the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa by the recent storm underscores a critical need for urgent assistance and community support. With significant infrastructural damage and injured students, the school is striving to restore its educational mission. Long-term solutions including repairs and enhanced facilities are essential to ensure that students can continue their academic pursuits in a safe environment.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
