TFS demonstrates benefits of forests to residents in Sengerema

MWANZA: THE Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has underscored the importance of forest conservation by supporting schools with furniture made from forest products.

Buhama and Maisome secondary schools in Buchosa Council, Sengerema District, received 100 tables and 100 chairs worth over 10m/-, as part of efforts to improve the learning environment.

“This is how the agency demonstrates to the community the tangible benefits of forest conservation, as all these tables and chairs are products of our forests,” said Mr Stephen Oyugi, TFS Manager for Sengerema, during the handover ceremony held in Buhama Ward over the weekend.

He added that the initiative also supports President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s drive to improve the education sector.

During the same event, TFS distributed around 4,300 tree seedlings to schools and communities surrounding forest reserves in Buchosa.

The goal is to promote environmental stewardship and reduce over-reliance on natural forests, which often leads to their degradation.

Buhama Secondary School Headmaster, Mr Bagini Wadiwa, applauded the TFS support, noting that it has helped reduce the shortage of student furniture.

Prior to the donation, the school lacked 210 chairs and tables.

The total requirement for the newly established school, which began operations last year, is 458 sets.

ALSO READ: Govt unveils plan to establish natural forests in every district

However, Mr Wadiwa noted that the school still faces significant challenges, particularly a shortage of teachers only five are present against a required 28 and a complete lack of water services.

In response, Sengerema District Commissioner Ms Senyi Nganga acknowledged the staff shortage, attributing it to the rapid construction of new schools.

“Previously, the number of teachers appeared sufficient because there were fewer schools. Now we are experiencing shortages due to the rapid expansion, with around 18 more schools under construction in the district. However, I assure you the staffing levels will catch up,” she said.

Ms Nganga pledged to instruct the relevant authorities to ensure the school is connected to the service.

One of Form Three pupils, Happiness Machumu, expressed their appreciation to TFS, noting that the furniture donation has made a significant difference.

Previously, some students were forced to sit on the floor during lessons.

They also commended government efforts in constructing the school, which has spared them a 10-kilometre journey to access education at Maisome Secondary School in another ward.