Samia hails NMB contributions to social investments

ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan praised NMB Bank for its substantial contributions to national development through various social investment programmes across Tanzania.

Speaking at the official launch of a preparatory school named after her in Makunduchi in Zanzibar yesterday, President Samia said NMB’s investment in the new school was a prime example of its commitment to enhancing community welfare and education opportunities in the country.

“This contribution is not only significant for Zanzibar but for the entire nation,” President Samia stated, addressing the crowd during the launch of Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan Preparatory School at Tasani as part of this year’s Kizimkazi Festival.

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The new school, which includes five modern classrooms, a headmaster’s office, a staffroom and additional facilities, aligns with the government’s Early Child Development Policy.

It aims to lay a strong educational foundation for young learners. President Samia emphasised the importance of such educational institutions in setting children up for future success and urged the community to actively support the maintenance of the school.

She commended NMB for its practice of sharing profits with the communities it serves, acknowledging the bank’s understanding of the symbiotic relationship between its financial success and community well-being.

The president noted that 35 similar centers are planned for various districts in the isles, with each adhering to the standards exemplified by NMB’s initiative.

“These schools are designed to prepare our children for primary education effectively,” she said. “I encourage local residents to contribute to the upkeep of this center to ensure it remains a valuable asset.

” She stated that the 35 similar centers, which Zanzibar’s Education and Vocational Training Minister Lela Mohamed said will be put up in all districts in the isles, should be built based on the standards and approach used by NMB Bank.

“You can make improvements, but these structures are ideal for preparing our children before they join primary education,” President Samia noted, urging residents of the area to ensure they contribute towards maintenance of the center that also comprises rooms for the headmaster’s office and staffroom.

Citing recent Euromoney magazine accolades won by the bank, said the social investment programmes of the bank are recognized both locally and internationally.

NMB CEO Ruth Zaipuna told the gathering that the NMB investment was not only in the school’s buildings but also in the future of the children of Makunduchi and the whole of Kizimkazi.

“For us, this school is a symbol of hope and new dreams for our children.

It is a place where they will build a solid education foundation that will help them in their future life,” she told Dr Samia, adding that to better cater for that the construction cost of the center had to be increased from the initial 600m/- to 800m/-.

The additional cost, Ms Zaipuna pointed out, took care of classroom and office furniture, a canteen and air-conditioning system in order to better both learning and teaching at the school.