Rotary Club of Dar Sunset provides clean cooking energy for 3,000 pupils

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Sunset, in partnership with PWC through the Jiko Safi Clean Energy Project, has officially handed over a newly constructed gas-powered stoves to Charambe Primary School, marking an important step towards creating a healthier, safer and more sustainable learning environment for thousands of pupils.

Club members, representatives from PWC, teachers and members of the school community gathered to celebrate the completion of the project, which replaces the school’s traditional firewood cooking system with a modern clean-energy kitchen.

The new kitchen will benefit more than 3,000 pupils by enabling meals to be prepared more efficiently while significantly reducing exposure to harmful smoke for both students and kitchen staff. The project also contributes to environmental conservation by reducing dependence on firewood as a cooking fuel.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Madam Elizabeth Mganga, representing Charambe Primary School, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the partnership. “We are sincerely grateful for your support. You built a modern kitchen and provided cooking stoves, and all the essential cooking equipment. You also renovated our students’ toilets, improving both their appearance and functionality.”

She added that the new kitchen has already begun transforming daily life at the school. “The construction of the stoves enables pupils to receive their meals on time, provides cleaner and healthier food, reduces children’s exposure to harmful smoke, helps protect the environment and significantly lowers cooking energy costs.”

Mganga also highlighted the wider impact of the Rotary Club’s support. “You donated 100 desks to our school and repaired 78 additional desks, significantly reducing the number of pupils who had to sit on the floor during lessons. You also provided sports jerseys and supported tree-planting activities.”

She noted that Charambe Primary School, established in July 2004 with 2,030 pupils, has grown to 3,233 pupils supported by 48 teachers. The school’s number of desks has increased from 458 to 636, creating a much-improved learning environment.

“On behalf of Charambe Primary School, we sincerely thank the Rotary Club for your generosity and commitment to improving our school and supporting our pupils.”

Temeke Municipal Director, Jomari Sature commended the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Sunset and PWC for their meaningful investment in education and community development. He acknowledged the significant needs that still exist across the area and encouraged continued partnerships that improve the lives of children and strengthen local communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Sunset, current president, Tahir Othman reaffirmed the club’s commitment in creating lasting, sustainable change through partnerships that respond directly to community needs.

“This project is about much more than building a safe kitchenware . It is about investing in children’s health, improving their learning environment and creating opportunities for them to thrive. By working together with our partners and the local community, we can make a lasting difference that will benefit generations to come.”

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The Jiko Safi Clean Energy Project reflects the shared commitment of the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Sunset and PWC to advancing clean energy solutions, supporting quality education and improving the wellbeing of communities.

Beyond the construction of the kitchen, the Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Sunset extended its support to address several other important needs identified by the school community.

These included the donation of modern cooking pots, cylinders and essential kitchen equipment, the renovation of student toilet facilities through the installation of new doors, improved flooring and repainting, the donation of 100 school desks, repairs to 78 existing desks, provision of sports jerseys for pupils, and support for tree-planting activities, in partnership with Rotary E club of East Africa, around the school.