Storm Devastates United Methodist School in Burundi, Injuring Students

A storm in Burundi caused extensive damage to a local technical school, injuring thirteen students and damaging critical infrastructure. The Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa, the only secondary school in Rubirizi, requires substantial financial support, estimated at $163,000, for repairs. Classes are disrupted, and community leaders emphasize the need for urgent intervention to restore educational services.

A recent storm in Burundi has inflicted significant damage on the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa technical school, the sole secondary school in the Rubirizi region. Founded in 2022 by The United Methodist Church, the school caters to over 21,000 residents. The storm, characterized by heavy rain and strong winds, resulted in the roofs being torn off two buildings and caused injuries to thirteen students, who were subsequently hospitalized for treatment. The structural integrity of five classrooms and sanitation facilities was compromised, underscoring the need for urgent repairs and support for the affected students and faculty.

School headmaster Désiré Nirera reported that the storm’s impacts began on October 30, with winds devastating school infrastructure. “We did an inventory to assess the damage. It is 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. Currently, classes are being conducted in temporary settings, including the church and the teachers’ lounge, as two of the school’s buildings are rendered unusable. The estimated repair costs are significant, amounting to approximately 472 million Burundian Francs, or around $163,000 USD.

The Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa plays a critical role in providing educational opportunities in a region lacking secondary schooling options. The school, named in honor of the late Bishop J. Alfred Ndoricimpa, who led the United Methodist Church in East Africa, primarily offers electromechanics and works supervision programs. The region’s geographical and socio-economic context illustrates the necessity of such educational institutions for local youth. Following the storm, the United Methodist Church is actively seeking assistance from community partners and government authorities to facilitate repairs and ensure the safety and educational continuity for students.

In summary, the severe storm in Burundi has led to considerable destruction of a vital educational institution, the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa. With thirteen students injured and immediate class disruptions, the need for prompt repairs and financial assistance is evident. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions in vulnerable regions and the importance of community and governmental support in rebuilding efforts. Stakeholders, including the district superintendent, have acknowledged the long-term implications of this disaster, especially for student education and welfare. Efforts are currently underway to gather the necessary resources for rebuilding and restoration.

Original Source: www.umnews.org