Call to support government in advancing education sector

TANZANIA: COMMUNITY members and development stakeholders have been encouraged to actively support the government in advancing the education sector to shape the nation’s future.

Their collective efforts are essential for improving and expanding educational opportunities, ultimately fostering a more educated and empowered society.

The call was made by Education Officer for the Hai Eastern Division, Mr Denis Tarimo, during a recent visit to Mrawi Primary School to assess the progress of ongoing renovations.

Mrawi Primary School, located in Moshi District, serves 332 students and employs six teachers, along with three volunteers.

Mr Tarimo emphasised that, as the government manages numerous schools, continued support is necessary to ensure their development and improvement. However, he said, given the large number of schools, it is not always feasible for the government to allocate sufficient resources to each one.

“There are many schools that rely on government support, but due to the sheer number of these institutions, it is not always easy for the government to address all their needs,” Mr Tarimo explained.

He was particularly impressed by the extensive renovations carried out at Mrawi Primary School by Farter Process Kiocha (diaspora).

“The renovations done by our community members are a great source of encouragement to the government. We recognise and greatly appreciate the substantial contributions made by the community toward improving the education sector,” he said.

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Mr Tarimo further praised the collaborative efforts that led to the school’s transformation, emphasising that the community’s support is a perfect example of what can be achieved when stakeholders unite for the common good.

“We deeply value the contributions of development partners in the education sector and encourage others to follow this example. This support helps not only this generation but future ones as well. Mrawi School has truly become a model for others,” he stressed.

He also commended Fr Kiocha and his team from the United States for their significant role, noting that their involvement would leave a lasting impact on the students.

“The support provided by Fr Kiocha and his team has created a lasting legacy. The children here will forever remember this act of generosity, and as they grow older, they will be inspired to give back to their communities,” Mr Tarimo added.

The Headmaster of Mrawi Primary School, Mr Ludovick Makundi, expressed his deep gratitude to Fr Kiocha for the renovations. Mr Makundi highlighted the improvements, which included new flooring in classrooms, the construction of a boundary wall, and the replacement of doors and windows.

Other upgrades included newly built toilets for both teachers and students, as well as essential office equipment such as a photocopying machine, laminator, and computers.

The school also received a multipurpose hall, capable of accommodating more than 200 people. This new space will be used for dining, meetings, and performances.

Additionally, special provisions were made in the toilets for students with disabilities. Mr Makundi noted that the ongoing support from dedicated individuals and the local community positions the school to continue providing quality education for generations to come.

He also shared that the renovations had sparked renewed interest in the school, with many new students, including those from neighboring villages, eager to enroll.

“Before the renovations, we only enrolled children from Mrawi village. Now, we are seeing children from neighboring villages expressing interest in studying here. We are happy to welcome them,” Mr Makundi said.

Regarding first-grade enrollment limits, he clarified that the school could not turn away any child and would continue registering students as the demand increased.

Fr Kiocha, who serves as the Parochial Vicar for the Diocese of Columbus, USA, completed his standard seven education at Mrawi Primary School in 1984. He shared that the total cost of the renovations exceeded 243.8m/-, which included the installation of electrical systems and solar power.

The transformation of Mrawi Primary School stands as a testament to the power of community involvement and the lasting impact of those who choose to give back to their communities.