Two new schools in Burundi open in record time

Buhogo and Kiremba elementary schools in Giharo and Gitanga communes were completed in just two months.

The old building at Kiremba housed 639 pupils in just six classrooms; the additional six rooms should go a long way to relieving the overcrowding.

There was no school for miles around in Buhogo. The new building has plenty of space to create a school garden, but Kiremba has to negotiate with neighbours and the local authority to find a suitable space.

Cord and local villagers have also built a teachers’ house at Bukeno School, leading to an immediate increase in staff, most of whom live some 20km away; too far to walk on a daily basis.

Teacher Audace Mdayishimiye is helping build the foundations for peace with a generation living with the consequences of conflict.

Photo: David Morphew

The school also has latrines and a rain water collection system, giving the children access to clean water and a basic understanding of good hygiene. But without electricity teachers remain frustrated that they can’t see to mark homework and plan lessons after dark.

The local Hill leader is mobilising parents to build a football ground; encouraging them to focus on what they can do to make positive changes for their children with what little they have.