Deputy Minister of Education Urges Proper Fund Management for Construction of Special Secondary Schools for Girls

---

In a notable initiative to bolster the educational framework for female students, the Deputy Minister of the Office of the President (TAMISEMI [Education]), Hon. Zainab Katimba, has issued a directive to the administrators overseeing the construction of 26 specialized secondary schools for girls across various regions. She underscored the vital necessity of guaranteeing that the financial resources allotted by President Samia Suluhu Hassan are deployed in an efficient and effective manner to construct educational facilities that adhere to the highest standards. The objective of this initiative is to provide students with an optimal learning environment.

Commitment to Quality Education

The Hon. Zainab Katimba’s call to action serves to illustrate the government’s dedication to enhancing the quality of education for girls. By concentrating on the construction of specialised secondary educational establishments, the government is seeking to address the distinctive educational requirements of female students, thereby promoting gender equality in education. The Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of effective financial management in achieving the desired outcomes.

Ensuring Accountability and Transparency

In order to guarantee that construction projects are conducted in accordance with the highest standards of accountability and transparency, Hon. Katimba has advised project managers to implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation procedures. This encompasses the following:

• Regular audits

• Progress reports

• Adherence to project timelines

The Deputy Minister emphasised that any instances of financial impropriety or mismanagement would be met with disciplinary action.

Enhancing Learning Environments

The construction of these special secondary schools represents a key component of a broader strategy to create optimal learning environments that facilitate academic excellence.

The Honourable Katimba highlighted the pivotal role that well-constructed schools with adequate facilities play in enhancing students’ academic performance and overall well-being. She advised the project managers to give priority to:

• The quality of construction materials

• The design of classrooms

• The provision of essential amenities such as libraries, laboratories, and sports facilities

Empowering Female Students

The initiative to construct dedicated secondary schools for girls is also intended to facilitate the empowerment of female students by ensuring their access to a high-quality education. The Honourable Katimba underscored the pivotal role of education in empowering women and girls, facilitating their meaningful contribution to society. The government’s investment in the education of girls is an investment in a more equitable and prosperous future.

Collaboration with Stakeholders

In her address, the Honourable Katimba called for collaboration with a number of key stakeholders, including:

• Local communities

• Non-governmental organizations

• International partners

She emphasised the significance of community involvement throughout the planning and implementation phases, as this cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility among the beneficiaries.

Addressing Challenges

The Deputy Minister was aware that the implementation of these projects might present certain challenges, including:

• Logistical issues

• Budget constraints

• Unforeseen obstacles

Nevertheless, she conveyed assurance in the capacity of the project managers to adeptly navigate these challenges. The Honourable Katimba encouraged the project managers to adopt innovative solutions and best practices in order to overcome any hurdles and ensure the timely completion of the schools.

Monitoring and Evaluation

In order to guarantee that the construction projects comply with the desired standards, Hon. Katimba underscored the necessity for the implementation of comprehensive monitoring and evaluation frameworks. She advocated for the formation of independent oversight committees with the following objectives:

• Regularly assess the progress of the projects

• Provide feedback

This will facilitate the early identification of any issues and enable prompt corrective action to be taken.

Long-term Impact

It is anticipated that the establishment of these distinctive secondary educational institutions for girls will exert a beneficial and enduring influence on the broader educational landscape. By providing girls with access to quality education, the government is not only addressing immediate educational needs but also contributing to the overall development of the country, which will have long-term benefits. It is evident that women who have received an education are more likely to:

• Participate in the workforce

• Lead healthier lives

• Contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities

Inspection of Construction Projects

These instructions were provided by the Honourable Katimba on behalf of the Minister of State, Office of the President, TAMISEMI Honourable Mohamed Mchengerwa, during a visit to the Special School for Girls in the Kigoma Region. The objective of the visit was to assess the progress of the construction of the school, which is situated in Uvinza District Council.

“The construction of the Special School for Girls in the Kigoma Region is satisfactory. The school received funds from President Samia, amounting to 3 billion shillings in the first phase. The second phase will receive 1.1 billion shillings.,” Hon. Katimba has explained.

Call for Proper Funds Management

Furthermore, the Honourable Katimba has requested that other Council Directors in the country, who are responsible for the construction of special secondary schools for girls in other regions, ensure that they allocate funds for the development of the infrastructure of the school built by the President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in order to support his efforts.

“We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the President, whose efforts are evident in the construction of this exemplary educational facility in the Kigoma Region. The school, which boasts laboratories, fields, dormitories, classrooms, and teachers’ houses, is a testament to her commitment to excellence.,” Hon. Katimba has insisted.

Community and Student Gratitude

Mr. Khamis Rajabu, a resident of Uvinza in the Kigoma region, has expressed gratitude and congratulations to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the construction of the Kigoma region’s school for girls, which has addressed the challenge faced by girls lacking access to secondary education of a satisfactory standard.

Odetha Denis, a student of Kigoma Region Special Secondary School for Girls, has expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for recognising the value of girls and establishing a school that will afford them the opportunity to pursue their studies and achieve their aspirations on par with their male counterparts.

Another student of the school, Amina Albano, expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for establishing a school with adequate infrastructure, thereby providing an opportunity for girls from diverse geographical backgrounds to pursue their academic aspirations in a conducive learning environment.

Infrastructure and Facilities

This new Kigoma Region Girls School has:

• 12 classrooms

• 4 laboratories

• An administration building

• 16 toilets

• A food court

• 2 teachers houses

• 8 dormitories

• A patient building

• A generator room

• A waste incinerator

• 2 underground water storage tanks

• 2 plastic water tanks

• 2 waste water tanks

In conclusion, the directive issued by the Honourable Zainab Katimba to the managers of the construction projects for special secondary schools for girls is indicative of the government’s unwavering commitment to the improvement of the education sector. The government’s objective is to create a conducive learning environment for female students by ensuring the proper management of funds and prioritising the quality of construction. This initiative constitutes a significant stride towards the realisation of gender equality in education and the empowerment of the forthcoming generation of women leaders. The success of these projects will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved. With the appropriate approach, it is poised to make a lasting impact on the education landscape in the country.

Tanzania Media