Storm Devastates United Methodist School in Burundi, Injures Students

A severe storm has severely damaged the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa in Burundi, injuring thirteen students and destroying essential educational infrastructure. The school, established in 2022 as the region’s sole secondary institution, now faces significant repair needs estimated at about $163,000. Local leaders emphasize the urgent need for support to ensure educational continuity for the community’s youth.

A recent storm has wreaked havoc on the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa in Burundi, the sole secondary school serving the Rubirizi region, which has a population of approximately 21,000. Established in 2022 by The United Methodist Church, the school experienced significant destruction due to severe winds and torrential rain, resulting in the hospitalization of thirteen students. Structural damage included the roofs being blown off two buildings and the complete collapse of the frames and walls in five classrooms, along with the destruction of the toilets and essential learning facilities.

The storm struck on October 30, as noted by the school headmaster, Désiré Nirera. He reported, “We did an inventory to assess the 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.” Currently, classes are disrupted due to the destruction, with students utilizing alternative locations such as the church and teachers’ lounge to continue their education.

The district superintendent, Rev. Valentine Cimpaye, underscored the critical importance of the school to the community, stating that with no other secondary institutions in proximity, it plays a pivotal role in enabling local children to receive an education. The estimated cost to repair the damage is approximately 472 million Burundian Francs (around $163,000 USD), and community members express deep concern regarding the situation and the future of their children’s education.

As the affected community grapples with the storm’s aftermath, various materials and urgent support are required to restore the school. Immediate needs include tents and basic supplies for displaced students while longer-term reconstruction efforts necessitate substantial building materials. To mitigate future risks, Cimpaye has indicated initiatives to plant trees to manage rainwater runoff around the school.

Moreover, there have been reports of additional infrastructure damage in the area, including homes and churches. Local leaders have called for assistance to support the victims of the disaster. Cimpaye emphasized the call for help from administrative authorities and partners, stating, “We thank God, who saved the pupils and teachers who were in class that day.” It remains crucial that the community comes together to assist with these rebuilding efforts to restore educational services to the region.

The Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa was established by The United Methodist Church in 2022, serving as the only secondary education provider in the Rubirizi region of Burundi. This area is home to about 21,000 residents and relied heavily on this institution for educational continuity. The recent storm that struck on October 30 caused extensive damage to the school, resulting in injuries to students and the destruction of educational facilities, fundamentally disrupting the learning environment. The school’s importance has been emphasized by local leaders who stress the need for support and repairs to facilitate recovery and ensure educational access for the youth in the community.

The destruction caused by the storm to the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa highlights the vulnerability of educational institutions in Burundi to adverse weather events. As the only secondary school in the Rubirizi region, its loss would have a profound impact on local youth education. Immediate and long-term action is required to restore the facilities and support the affected students. The community’s response and cooperation with various authorities will be pivotal in addressing the devastation and re-establishing safe learning conditions.

Original Source: www.umnews.org