In the process, 75 boys, who mainly come from less privileged homes, were not only left roofless but also lost many of their belongings such as blankets, cosmetics and clothing.

The Ministry of Education has initiated a forensic audit to determine the cause of fire and the School Principal, Mr Anton Howaeb, confirmed that they have to send the boys home to get much-needed clothing, cosmetics and other

necessities from their parents.

The Ministry has already promised to help the school with mattresses.

¨We are appealing to well-wishers such as the Red Cross, private companies and individuals to help the learners with the much needed blankets, cosmetics and other necessities. Even if we send them home, we know that their parents are mostly peasant farmers and people who themselves struggle,¨ Mr Howaeb said.

The tragedy struck while efforts are being made to rebuild the school and hostel after it was torched several times in the late 1980’s and early 1990s for political reasons. The result of the fire was that the school had to drastically cut the number of children it could accommodate from around 450 to 200.

The school’s rebuilding project was officially launched in 2003 by the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Theo-Ben Gurirab, Patron of the Project, and hosted a successful gala dinner in October last year.