Gitega: a primary school still not rebuilt after three months
The Christ Roi primary school in Mushasha, in Gitega (political capital), remains in ruins three months after being destroyed by torrential rains. This situation impacts more than 800 students, who resumed classes on January 6, 2025 in rooms called Yagamukama belonging to the Catholic church.
INFO SOS Médias Burundi
The disaster dates back to September 21, 2024, when torrential rains mixed with hail blew away the roof of the school. That day, two children were injured, and all the teaching materials, including the students’ notebooks, were seriously damaged.
“The roof of the school was blown away, and since then, nothing has been done to rebuild these premises,” laments Jean Claude Mbazumutima, director of the establishment.
The students were temporarily transferred to very dilapidated buildings, Yagamukama, belonging to the Catholic Church, but the learning conditions there remain precarious. According to the director, the current rooms are unsuitable and seriously hamper the quality of teaching.
Plea for reconstruction
The communal director of education in Gitega, Jean Népomcène Ndayavurwa, expresses his deep concern about this situation. He calls for the demolition of the old premises of the Christ Roi school in Mushasha to allow the construction of new and better adapted buildings.
“This school, which is under Catholic convention, is also the responsibility of the diocese of Gitega. We invite the ecclesiastical authorities to seek partnerships to carry out this urgent project,” insists the communal director.
A situation that calls for action
The fate of the students of the Christ Roi school in Mushasha highlights the structural challenges of the education system in the face of natural disasters. It is urgent that the various stakeholders concerned – local authorities, church and partners – join forces to provide a dignified and secure school environment for these children.
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The Christ Roi fundamental school in Mushasha in ruins, January 2025 (SOS Médias Burundi)
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