Feb 18 • 09:26 UTC 🌍 Africa RFI Afrique (FR)

After Cyclone Gezani, nearly 30,000 students deprived of classes in eastern Madagascar

Nearly 30,000 students in eastern Madagascar are unable to attend classes due to the destruction caused by Cyclone Gezani.

In eastern Madagascar, the aftermath of Cyclone Gezani has severely impacted the education of nearly 30,000 children as hundreds of classrooms have been destroyed, particularly in Tamatave and the surrounding district. The storm brought high winds and torrential rain that devastated school facilities, forcing students and teachers to seek alternative solutions for continuing their education. In response to this crisis, UNICEF has commenced efforts to set up tents near damaged establishments, allowing lessons to proceed in temporary conditions.

Schools like 'La Foire' in Tamatave, which normally serves around 700 students, have been gravely affected, with roofs ripped off and classrooms becoming unusable. Local educational authorities and community leaders are facing the daunting task of rebuilding and ensuring that students have access to learning opportunities despite these challenges. This situation highlights the vulnerability of educational infrastructure in the face of natural disasters and the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness in Madagascar.

The involvement of UNICEF and the rapid response to provide temporary classrooms underlines the importance of international support in times of crisis. As the community begins the recovery process, there is a pressing need to prioritize educational continuity for these young learners, emphasizing the long-term implications that such disasters can have on children's education and well-being in Madagascar.

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