The Minister of Education has said that, together with partners, they pledged to rebuild the affected schools and ensure that students are able to continue their education in a safe and supportive environment. Devastating heavy rains hit Western, Northern and Southern Provinces on May 2 causing widespread damage to 33 vocational and technical schools. Of these, 13 schools are in Karongi District, seven in Nyabihu, six in Rubavu, four in Ngororero, two from Gakenke, and one from Gicumbi. ALSO READ: 15 students dead, 33 schools destroyed by flood One of the schools that suffered significant damage was Ecole D’art de Nyundo, in Rubavu district. The over flooding from river Sebeya destroyed the school's fence and engulfed the compound as well as food storage zone. Juvenal Niyonziama, the director of the school, told The New Times that the joint rescue effort was on spot trying to bring back everything to life. Niyonzima suggested that reconstructing the school's fence was urgent for security reasons. In the same area, GS Rubavu II had its school’s fence and one class severely destroyed. Redempta Uwimbabazi, the school’s Director, said they are working with area residents to ensure classes resume as soon as possible. ALSO READ: Flood disaster: Kagame says personally following up on response effort Theogene Cyimana, Director of GS Rega Catholique in Nyabihu district, said they experienced a similar situation but acted quickly. “Holes and trenches were created immediately to allow water to move, this enabled access to classes and we would commence classes as usual.” He said the six classrooms affected are being rebuilt at the moment. ALSO READ: Some hydropower, water treatment plants resume as recovery efforts intensify Among other things, the heads of affected schools have communicated their plan effectively to the students, their parents and the staff members so that everyone is aware of the measures that are being taken to keep them safe.
