Severe Storm Damages United Methodist School in Burundi, Injuring Students

A storm has severely damaged Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa in Burundi, injuring 13 students and destroying essential infrastructure. Founded in 2022, this school is crucial for local education, serving the Rubirizi region. Repair costs are estimated at 472 million Burundian Francs (approx. $163,000 USD) and immediate assistance is needed to continue educational activities while rebuilding efforts begin.

A recent storm in Burundi has caused severe damage to the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa, the only secondary school in the Rubirizi region, founded by The United Methodist Church in 2022. The storm resulted in the hospitalization of 13 students due to injuries and significant structural destruction of the school’s infrastructures, including the loss of roofs and walls from two buildings. The district superintendent emphasized the importance of the school for the local community, which depends on it for educational opportunities. Immediate repairs are estimated to cost approximately 472 million Burundian Francs, equivalent to around $163,000 USD. In the interim, students are continuing their studies in temporary arrangements, while the school administration seeks urgent assistance to provide essential educational materials as they prepare for the rebuild.

Burundi, located in East Africa, has been facing significant challenges, including weather-related disasters. The Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa serves as a critical educational institution for the Rubirizi region, which has a population of around 21,000 people. The school is significant because it fills a crucial gap in providing secondary education in an area that lacks such facilities. The recent storm not only hit this school hard but also impacted various infrastructures in the vicinity, emphasizing the urgent need for disaster preparedness and community support.

In conclusion, the destruction of the Lycée Technique Mgr. Jean Alfred Ndoricimpa due to the recent storm highlights the vulnerabilities faced by educational institutions in Burundi. With 13 students injured and extensive repairs required, the situation remains critical for the school community. Restoration efforts will require substantial funding, and immediate support is needed to ensure that education can continue without further disruption. The commitment of local authorities and the community will be essential in the rebuilding and recovery process.

Original Source: www.umnews.org