The administration and parents of students at College St. Bernard Kansi are calling on local authorities to support the school in addressing infrastructure challenges, particularly by replacing its asbestos roofing, which poses health risks.
This appeal was made on Saturday, March 15, 2025, during the school’s Open Day event, a celebration aimed at showcasing students’ talents and demonstrating the practical aspects of the education provided at College St. Bernard Kansi.
Speaking on behalf of parents, Fabien Twahirwa emphasized the need for urgent intervention in improving the school’s infrastructure.
“The roofing at this institution still consists of asbestos sheets, which are known to have harmful effects on human health. We are requesting support to have them replaced in line with environmental protection efforts,” he stated.
Beyond the roofing issue, Twahirwa also pointed out other pressing concerns, such as the school’s lack of adequate classrooms and its insufficient fencing, which compromises student security and discipline.
“The school’s perimeter is not well secured, which poses safety challenges. Additionally, the number of classrooms remains inadequate given the growing student population,” he added.
In response to these concerns, Gisagara District Mayor, Rutaburingoga Jerome, confirmed that local authorities are aware of the situation.
However, he noted that financial constraints have delayed immediate action.
“We have plans to support the school, but the necessary budget has not yet been secured. Nevertheless, we remain committed to assisting them, just as we do with other development projects,” he assured.
The mayor further stated that an assessment would be conducted to determine the most critical needs and the extent of support required.
However, he did not specify a timeline for when the assistance would be provided. “The exact timeframe is unknown. A feasibility study will be conducted first before any financial aid is allocated,” he explained.
According to Rwanda’s Housing Authority, asbestos roofing materials, including fibro-cement sheets, are linked to severe and incurable health conditions, underscoring the urgency of replacing them.
College St. Bernard Kansi, founded in 1957 by the Bernardine Sisters, is located in Akaboti Cell, Kansi Sector, Gisagara District, approximately 13 kilometers from Huye District. The school currently accommodates 750 students across five academic streams: Nursing, Physics-Chemistry-Mathematics (PCM), Physics-Chemistry-Biology (PCB), Mathematics-Physics-Computer Science (MPC), and Mathematics-Chemistry-Biology (MCB).
