New school, health center and WASH facilities inaugurated in Mahama camp

{Burundian refugees in Mahama camp have extoled the efforts of the government of Rwanda and UNHCR to respond to their most critical needs in health and education by providing adequate and modern infrastructures.}

They expressed their gratitude on Wednesday January 20, 2016 to government and partners’ officials led by Minister of Disaster Management and refugee affairs Mukantabana Seraphine, Minister of state in the Ministry of education Olivier Rwamukwaya and the UNHCR representative Dr. Azam Saber, at the inauguration of Paysannat School, constructed to serve both refugees and nationals.

Other facilities inaugurated the same day include: a health center built by SAVE THE CHILDREN, and elevated water tank and modern dischargeable latrines.

Paysannat School comprises 112 classes, modern latrines, kitchen and other facilities constructed by ADRA over the funds of UNHCR. It is built at one kilometer from Mahama camp and, with the beginning of 2016 academic year, around 15,000 students including both refugees’ and nationals will be able to attend that school from primary to secondary education.

Minister Mukantabana expressed gratitude to UNHCR for providing funds that have enabled implementing partners to construct those facilities and called beneficiaries to preserve them.

“The infrastructures that we inaugurated today belong to you, it is therefore your benefit to properly preserve and safeguard them so that you can earn durable services” Mukantabana told refugees.

Minitser Mukantabana also assured refugees that the government and UNHCR are aware and much concerned of all their needs, and they will continue to work together to find solutions.
On his behalf, Olivier Rwamukwaya, the state Minister in the Ministry of education commended the efforts of MIDIMAR, UNHCR, ADRA and other partners to construct a decent school for both refugees and national. He called refugees to attend schools and assured of the commitment of MINEDUC to do consistent follow up and provide all required support for Paysannat School to provide quality education.

“The school has been constructed, but it the role of parents to send their children to school” Rwamukwaya urged refugees.”

The Ministry of education will continuously send its experts to provide necessary support to ensure that this school always fills the required standards.” He added
Mahama camp currently hosts over 48,000 Burundian refugees. It was established in April 2015 following massive influx of Burundian refugees to Rwanda.