Burundi's Minister of National Education and Scientific Research, François Havyarimana, ordered the closure of the École Internationale de Gitega, triggering widespread concern among students and parents. The decision impacts 736 students currently enrolled at the international school in Gitega, which is a significant number for an educational institution in the country's political capital. The school, a prominent educational establishment in Gitega, finds itself at the center of a contentious administrative ruling.
Community's Plea for Dialogue
Families have begun signing a petition addressed to Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye. The petition requests the suspension of the closure decision and the opening of dialogue with authorities regarding the École Internationale de Gitega. Deo Kavamahanga, president of the parents' committee, stated that all requested documents, including property title and accreditation, were submitted to the relevant authorities. This submission, according to Kavamahanga, was intended to demonstrate the school's compliance and address any administrative concerns. The parents' committee is considering approaching competent jurisdictions to contest the ministerial decision, indicating their determination to challenge the abrupt closure through legal avenues if necessary.
A parent, whose name was not provided, expressed deep concern over the closure and the future of their children's education. "Depuis 2007, mes sept enfants ont fréquenté l’École Internationale de Gitega," the parent said, noting the family's long-standing connection to the institution. They added that five of their children have completed general studies at the school, showing its role in their academic development. "Il me reste deux enfants : l’un est en 5ᵉ année et l’autre en 8ᵉ année. Aujourd’hui, on ferme cette école comme une simple boutique. Où iront-ils ? Même si je trouve un autre établissement, leur apprentissage risque d’en souffrir." Two of the parent's children are currently in the 5th and 8th year at the school, facing immediate disruption to their studies. This sentiment reflects the broader anxiety felt by many families whose children's academic journeys have been abruptly halted.
Minister's Justification for Closure
Minister of National Education and Scientific Research, François Havyarimana, justified the decision to close the École Internationale de Gitega, citing the absence of a legal framework governing the school's operations. Mr. Havyarimana also stated that the institution had been occupying state-owned buildings without a formal lease agreement. This declaration outlined the government's official reasons for the abrupt closure of the international school, emphasizing administrative and legal non-compliance. The minister's explanation suggests that these issues were fundamental enough to warrant such a drastic measure, bypassing other potential resolutions.
Despite the minister's stated justifications, some residents in Gitega have expressed a different perspective on the situation. These individuals believe that the alleged irregularities concerning the school's legal status and its occupation of state property could have been addressed through constructive dialogue between the school administration and government authorities. They contend that an immediate closure was not the only viable solution and that a more collaborative approach might have prevented the significant disruption for students and parents. This viewpoint suggests a missed opportunity for negotiation and a preference for a less impactful resolution.
Unanswered Calls and Uncertain Future
Minister François Havyarimana was contacted multiple times by phone and WhatsApp regarding the school's closure but did not respond to inquiries. The lack of communication has left parents and students in a state of uncertainty as the next school year is scheduled to begin in September. Some residents in Gitega suggest that underlying political considerations may have influenced the decision to close the École Internationale de Gitega. There is no public proof to substantiate these claims, but the speculation adds another layer of complexity to the situation surrounding the school's sudden closure. The absence of official dialogue continues to be a point of concern for those affected by the ministerial decree, hindering any potential resolution or understanding of the situation.
Teachers' Concerns and School's History
Teachers, parents, and students of the École Internationale de Gitega have expressed concern regarding the repercussions of the school's closure. Their apprehension includes potential job losses for staff, the interruption of schooling for students, and legal uncertainties surrounding the institution's future. These concerns highlight the multifaceted impact of the ministerial decision on the entire school community. The École Internationale de Gitega is situated in Gitega, which serves as Burundi's political capital, making its closure a notable event in the city. Despite these anxieties and the actions taken by affected parties, including the submission of all requested documents by the parents' committee, no favorable response has yet been received from authorities. This lack of official communication leaves stakeholders in a state of uncertainty, particularly as the next academic year approaches. The decision impacts the school community in the capital, raising questions about continuity for those enrolled and employed there and the long-term implications for education in Gitega.