Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Girls' Science Schools in Tanzania

4,843 Girls Enrolled in Newly Built Regional Girls’ Science Schools in Tanzania

On the 27th of September, 2024, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, paid a visit to Mchepuu Science and Art Secondary School in Namtumbo, Tanzania. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan undertook a visit to Mchepuu Science and Art Secondary School, which is situated in Migeregere township, Rwinga district, Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region.

Presidential Visit

Accompanying the President was a delegation of government officials, including the Minister of State for the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), Hon. Mohamed Mchengerwa, and the Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Christina Mndeme. During the course of her visit, the President engaged in interactions with students and teaching staff, and undertook a tour of the school’s facilities, including classrooms, laboratories and dormitories.

The Mchepuu Science and Art Secondary School is a public secondary educational establishment that was established in 2021. The school offers a curriculum encompassing both science and arts subjects, with an enrollment of over 1,000 students.

In her remarks to the students, President Samia Suluhu Hassan underscored the vital importance of education, particularly for girls. She exhorted the students to apply themselves assiduously and to capitalise on the opportunities afforded by the institution. The President also lauded the teachers for their dedication and commitment to the students’ success.

Minister Mchengerwa Launches Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan Girls’ Science School

The Minister of State, President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), Hon. Mohamed Mchengerwa, has announced that 4,843 female students have enrolled in the recently constructed Regional Girls’ Science Schools across Tanzania.

The announcement was made by Hon. Mchengerwa during the inauguration of the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Girls’ Science School in Namtumbo, Ruvuma Region. The school is one of 26 such educational establishments constructed in all regions of mainland Tanzania.

Key Statistics

As stated by Hon. Mchengerwa, the distribution of student enrollment is as follows:

* Form 1: 1,596
* Form 2: 139
* Form 5: 2,355
* Form 6: 753

Funding and Infrastructure

The construction of the educational facilities was financed by the government, with a total budget of Sh108 billion. A total of Sh4.1 billion was allocated to each region for the construction of major infrastructure, including classrooms, dormitories, teacher housing, and other facilities. Furthermore, an additional Sh350 million was allocated for the completion of playgrounds.

Namtumbo School Details

The Namtumbo District Commissioner, Philemon Magesa, has reported that the Sh4.6 billion allocated to the district has been used to construct a number of facilities, including 22 classrooms, eight dormitories, three teachers’ houses, a headmaster’s house, a matron’s house, an IT room, a library, a courtyard, and a fence.

The school has a capacity of 1,200 students and is currently operating at full capacity, with 548 students enrolled, including those with special needs.

Minister Mchengerwa’s Remarks

At the launch, the Honourable Mchengerwa stated that the construction of the schools was his directive since he assumed office, and that they have been completed and 4,843 students have enrolled and commenced their studies. He elucidated that the objective of the schools is twofold: firstly, to advance the education of girls in the fields of science and technology, and secondly, to contribute to the overall development of the nation.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Remarks

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was present at the launch, expressed her gratitude to Hon. Mchengerwa for his contributions to the advancement of girls’ education. She underscored the significance of allocating resources to education, particularly for girls, as a crucial step in unleashing their potential and empowering them to contribute to national development.

In conclusion, the inauguration of the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Girls’ Science School represents a pivotal moment in Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to advance the education of girls and to foster the empowerment of women. It is anticipated that the school will provide an excellent standard of education to hundreds of girls, thereby contributing to the development of the nation’s human capital.

The visit of President Hassan to Mchepuu Science and Art Secondary School is indicative of her dedication to the advancement of education and the empowerment of young people in Tanzania. It is anticipated that the school will make a substantial contribution to the provision of high-quality education for students in the Namtumbo District and beyond.

Tanzania Media