On June 2, teachers at the Terrain Fayard college are in strike, deeply affected by the recent incident where parts of the school were set ablaze during civil unrest in the neighborhood. Despite the strike, students will continue to be welcomed at the institution, reflecting a commitment to their education amidst challenging circumstances.
The fire occurred during the night of May 30-31, causing extensive damage to the school’s facilities, including the complete destruction of the administrative offices and several classrooms. The principal and educational staff worked diligently over the weekend to ensure that classes could resume on Monday. Rostane Mehdi, the Rector of the Academy of La Réunion, visited the site and confirmed that the damage was severe and that the school’s administrative functions would need to temporarily relocate.
In response to the traumatic events, the rectorate has established a support cell for students and staff who may require assistance to process the events. Mehdi emphasized the importance of schools as places of learning and community building, categorizing the violence against the school as an attack on the very fabric of the Republic.
The situation remains tense, with members of the school community still in shock. A team of firefighters was eventually able to extinguish the blaze, but the destruction has left an indelible mark on the school environment. Cyrille Melchior, the president of the Department, has announced that an enterprise has been tasked with assessing the damage and planning necessary repairs. Meanwhile, security measures have been increased around the school to ensure safety in the aftermath of the fire.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions in areas affected by violence. It’s encouraging to see swift action being taken to support students and staff, fostering a sense of resilience and community in the face of adversity.