A storm severely damaged the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa in Burundi, injuring thirteen students and causing significant structural damage. Founded in 2022, the school serves as the only secondary institution in the Rubirizi region. Repair costs are estimated at approximately $163,000 USD, prompting calls for urgent aid to restore educational services and prevent future disasters.
A severe storm in Burundi led to the devastation of the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa, the only secondary school in the Rubirizi region, which serves approximately 21,000 residents. Established by the United Methodist Church in 2022, the school endured extensive destruction due to strong winds and heavy rainfall, resulting in the roof damage of two buildings and injuries to thirteen students who required hospitalization. The headmaster, Désiré Nirera, reported significant challenges as educational activities continue in makeshift locations while awaiting repairs. The damages are estimated to total around 472 million Burundian Francs (approximately $163,000 USD). Additionally, officials emphasize the urgency for aid to support reconstruction efforts and mitigate future risks by initiating preventive measures such as tree planting around the school.
The Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa technical school is critically important as it was founded to provide secondary education in a region lacking such facilities. The school not only represents a significant educational institution for local students but also honors the memory of Bishop J. Alfred Ndoricimpa, a prominent figure in the United Methodist Church. The storm that caused the destruction can be attributed to increasingly severe weather patterns affecting the region, underscoring a growing need for disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in Burundian communities. Local leaders and church officials are now seeking urgent support to rebuild the damaged school and restore a functional educational environment for the affected students.
The destruction caused by the recent storm at the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa highlights the vulnerabilities faced by educational institutions in Burundi amid extreme weather. With a pressing need for both immediate assistance and long-term rebuilding plans, local officials and community members are advocating for support from various stakeholders to reinstate vital educational services in the Rubirizi region. Only through determined cooperative efforts can the community ensure the safety and continuity of education for its youth.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
