On this Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Saint Kizito Institute of Bujumbura, the Center for Children with Physical Disabilities, Closing Ceremonies took place for a Project entitled “Education support for children with specific needs at Saint Kizito Institute of Bujumbura which consisted of strengthening the professional capacities of teachers working in this center honored by the presence of the Father Pierre MANIRAGARURA, General Treasurer of the Archdiocese of Bujumbura and representative of the Archbishop of Bujumbura, Mr. Drew Giblin, Acting Deputy Head of Mission in the Embassy of the United States of America in Burundi as well as other personalities.
These ceremonies began with a guided tour and in the different services of the center ,then diffenrent speeches of circumstance delivered by various distinguished guests. In his welcoming and opening speech of the ceremonies, Father Pierre MANIRAGARURA, representative of the Archbishop of Bujumbura, stressed that this project is of great importance because it has allowed on the one hand the strengthening of teachers’ knowledge on the identification of children with special needs in their learning process in order to reduce the dropout rate and increase academic results and on the other hand, this project has provided teachers of this center with the capacities to psychologically support children with special needs and their care. He ended his speech by addressing his sincere thanks to the Embassy of the United States in Burundi for having financed this project for the well-being of children living with physical disabilities as well as any other stakeholder who would have contributed to the implementation of the said project.
In his speech, Mr. Drew Giblin, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission in the United States Embassy in Burundi expressed his pride in supporting projects that promote inclusion and access to professional education based on the identification of specific needs to promote education for marginalized and vulnerable communities, including ISK students. « This project is ending but its legacy will remain. We leave behind a stronger community. We hope that the successes of the Saint Kizito Institute will inspire similar initiatives across Burundi and beyond by advancing education and equal opportunities for all children. » He said.He also added that by investing in education and strengthening the capacities of educators, all children can aspire to a better future.
It should be noted that these activities ended with joyful atmosphere traditional dances and drumming by students of the Saint Kizito Institute and a family picture afterward.
Jean NEMERIMANA,Saint Kizito Institute