SOUTHERN PROVINCE

RUHANGO — Students of Ecole des Métiers de Ruhango (EMERU-Intwari) and Lycée de Ruhango- Ikirezi have donated support to fellow students and pupils affected by the recent earthquake that hit Rusizi and Nyamasyeke districts.

Two strong quakes hit the two districts hours apart on February 3, leaving close to close to 40 people dead and destroying property whose value the Government has put at over Frw5 billion. Another person died days later after a third quake hit the same region.

The students collected funds and materials worth over Frw300.000 last week, and handed over the donation to officials of the two districts on Wednesday this week.

"It was our (students) initiative  helped by nuns, and later we consulted the school administration to organise ways in which we could help our fellow students in Cyangugu. It is important to help when people are faced with tragedy,” said Jacky Mukeshimana, a student representative at the occasion.

Mukeshimana also added: "The move is also an expression of building a new Rwanda and a lesson to the young generation to learn how to help others with their limited resources.”

School officials told The New Times, that the donation was welcomed by the affected districts and called upon the students to maintain the culture of supporting others in need.

"Ruhango students have been trained to live a positive life and this is a sign that class knowledge is integrated in daily life and we hope to see these children become good citizens in the future” said Pierre Claver Rwemayire Rekeraho, the president of the board of governors of both schools.”

Both schools started in 2000 and EMERU-Intwari offers courses in technical and vocational training including; electricity, mechanics and construction, while Lycée de Ruhango- Ikirezi offers courses in hotel management, human sciences, and ordinary secondary education.

According to Rwemayire, the  teachers are committed to groom the students for a better future and the schools will soon take on other helpful courses in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry to build a firm foundation.

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