Fire at the Mabasele Institute in Ngite: a tragedy before the start of the school year
The morning of Sunday, September 1, will remain etched in the memories of the inhabitants of Ngite, a town located 15 kilometers north of the city of Beni, in the province of North Kivu. Indeed, a fire of unknown origin broke out at the Mabasele Institute, plunging the school community into turmoil on the eve of the start of the school year.
The voracious and devastating flames engulfed part of the establishment, consuming furniture and equipment in their destructive wake. The director of studies at the Mabasele Institute, Kasereka Sinamuli, testifies to the scale of the disaster: “Many objects are consumed, the first building comprising three classrooms is reduced to ashes, and the furniture has completely disappeared”. The fire therefore caused considerable material damage, compromising the school’s capacity.
Faced with this tragedy, the local community courageously mobilized to try to contain the disaster. Young volunteers joined forces with MONUSCO peacekeepers, thus limiting the damage and putting an end to the deadly blaze. Despite their rapid and determined intervention, the origin of the fire remains unknown, raising legitimate questions and concerns among the population.
On the eve of the start of the school year scheduled for the following day, the authorities of the Mabasele Institute are faced with a major challenge. Indeed, the damaged buildings are no longer able to accommodate students in optimal conditions, thus compromising the smooth running of classes. Kasereka Sinamuli makes a vibrant appeal for solidarity: “We ask all people of good will to come to our aid, because tomorrow is the start of the school year, and we do not know how we will start classes due to the extent of the damage”.
Despite this tragedy, the spirit of solidarity and the mobilization of the community of Ngite have made it possible to face adversity and mitigate the consequences of the fire. It is time for reconstruction, solidarity and hope for a better future for the students and staff of the Mabasele Institute, who will have to overcome this ordeal with courage and determination.
While awaiting answers as to the origin of the disaster and possible support measures, the community of Ngite remains united in adversity, ready to rebuild on the ashes of the fire and to continue the essential educational mission of the Mabasele Institute.