Mayotte Schools Reopen in Limited Capacity Following Cyclone Chido's Devastation

Six weeks after Cyclone Chido, students return to schools in damaged facilities, with many still closed and educators raising concerns over safety and preparedness.

Approximately 115,000 students in Mayotte resumed classes on January 27, 2025, in conditions described as 'degraded' due to extensive cyclone damage.
Roughly 30% of schools remain closed, with 45 primary schools and three secondary institutions unable to reopen due to severe structural damage.
The education system is relying on class rotations, shared facilities, and remote learning resources to manage the disrupted academic schedule.
Teachers and parents have criticized the reopening as premature, citing unsafe conditions, lack of hygiene, and psychological trauma among students and staff.
Government officials, including the ministers of Education and Overseas Territories, are set to visit Mayotte later this week to assess the situation and address ongoing challenges.