GICUMBI - Four teachers of Gihembe Primary School in Gicumbi, who had been sacked on Wednesday by the Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) authorities,  have been reinstated.

The decision to reinstate the teachers was reached in a meeting convened by Gicumbi District authorities on Friday at the district’s hall.

The meeting chaired by the district’s director of education, Deogratius Mwanafunzi, brought together JRS country Director, Fr Gerard Clarke, UNHCR-Byumba field officer, Richard Ndaula, the Police and Gihembe Refugees Executive Committee members.

"After seven hours of discussions, the meeting resolved to reinstate the affected teachers with immediate effect,” said Mwanafunzi.

He further said the teachers’ sectarian allegations against the school’s headmistress, Julie
Mukantabara, would be investigated by the police.

"If she is found guilty of promoting ethic division at the school, the law shall take its course,” said Mwanafunzi.
The chairman of Gihembe refugee camp, Jean Nsengiyera, welcomed the meeting’s resolution, saying that this will enable their children continue their studies uninterrupted.

"At least our children will be able to commence studies, as the lessons had halted from the day the teachers were sacked,” said Nsengiyera.

Gihembe Primary School teachers, last year, accused the school headmistress of fanning ethnic division among pupils and teachers.

The standoff culminated in the sacking of 4 teachers who are also members of the school’s Executive Committee.

Ends