NYAMASHEKE - Since the 2008 earthquake that destroyed infrastructure at Groupe Scolaire St. Bonaventure, in Nyabitekere Sector, Nyamasheke District, the school has never had its structures renovated.

It is one of the many schools where students attend class in run-down tents that were distributed to them by UNICEF after the earthquake.

"During the dry season, the scorching sun is unbearable because the tents are old and torn. Now our gravest fear is that the rains might be disastrous for both teachers and students,” said Aimable Sibomana, the headmaster of the school.

According to the headmaster, despite the fact that the tents are old, they are also inadequate given the number of students.

"Over 90 students attend a class that is meant for 45 students, which inevitably affects the performance of the students,” said Sibomana. When contacted, sector authorities acknowledged the problem and said they are in the process of solving the problem.

"Provision of new tents is in the pipeline as we prepare to construct new classrooms,” said Callixte Nshimiyimana, the officer in charge of Social affairs in Nyabitekere Sector.
He added that under the 9-Year Basic Education (9-YBE programme the Sector, together with local residents, will construct classrooms for the School.

Meanwhile, students complained of the discomfort of attending class in tents saying it’s a hindrance to their concentration since they are always worried about the weather.

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