Storm Devastates United Methodist Technical School in Burundi
A storm severely damaged the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa in Burundi, injuring 13 students and displacing classes. Founded in 2022 as the only secondary school in the Rubirizi region, it faces substantial repair costs estimated at $163,000 USD. The community seeks help for rebuilding efforts and temporary learning arrangements while addressing the longer-term impacts on education.
A severe storm recently devastated the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa, a vital educational institution in Burundi’s Rubirizi region, which serves approximately 21,000 residents. Founded in 2022 by The United Methodist Church, this technical school, dedicated to the late Bishop J. Alfred Ndoricimpa, experienced extensive damage as strong winds and heavy rains tore through the area. Thirteen students sustained injuries during the storm and required hospitalization for treatment.
The storm’s impact was significant, with roofs torn off two school buildings and the frames and walls of five classrooms obliterated. School headmaster Désiré Nirera reported, “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.” Classes are currently being held in makeshift settings, such as the church and teachers’ lounge, due to the destruction.
The Rev. Valentine Cimpaye, the district superintendent, underscored the importance of the school for local students, stating that it was established to support education in the area where there was previously no secondary school. The estimated cost of repairs is around 472 million Burundian Francs, approximately $163,000 USD. Community members expressed concern over their children’s educational continuity, with parents like Karorero Rubin lamenting the loss of a conducive learning environment.
In light of the storm’s aftermath, students have expressed worries about the impact on their education, particularly for girls who may be affected by the lack of sanitary facilities. The church is taking immediate steps to provide temporary solutions such as tents and basic supplies, while long-term needs include construction materials to facilitate rebuilding.
Efforts to mitigate future disasters are also underway, including planting trees around the school. The devastation from the storm has not only affected the school but also other structures in the area, prompting calls for assistance from local leaders. As stated by Cimpaye, “We are seeking help from the administrative authorities, the Ministry of Solidarity and partners of The United Methodist Church to rebuild and repair the buildings of the Lycée Technique.”
The destruction of the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa highlights the vulnerability of educational infrastructure to extreme weather events, exacerbated by the changing climate. Established to provide vital secondary education in the Rubirizi region of Burundi, this school addresses significant educational gaps in a community that previously lacked such facilities. The United Methodist Church in Burundi took the initiative to create this school in 2022, ensuring that students have access to quality education close to home. The storm that struck the region not only inflicted immediate physical damage but raised long-term concerns regarding the stability and safety of educational environments in the area.
The damage caused to the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa emphasizes the critical need for infrastructure resilience in response to climate-related events. With the school serving as a crucial educational resource in the Rubirizi region, the community’s response will be pivotal in restoring normalcy and ensuring continuous access to education for its youth. Seeking assistance for repairs and temporary accommodations remains an urgent priority as local leaders and community members rally together to support the affected students and their families.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
