Barrick invests Sh240m in modern school laboratories in Tanzania

Barrick North Mara Mine has invested 240 million Tanzanian shillings in constructing three modern science laboratories at Nyabichune Secondary School in Tarime District. The laboratories, dedicated to Physics, Biology, and Chemistry, are part of the Barrick-Twiga Future Forward Education Programme. This initiative aims to strengthen science education and encourage more students to pursue science-related careers. The programme is a partnership between the mining company and the government to support improvements in education infrastructure.

The new facilities are located in Matongo Ward, Nyamongo Township, and are expected to provide a better learning environment for students. The school has 489 students from Form One to Form Four. The investment has already generated greater interest in science subjects, with enrolment in Physics doubling from 20 students last year to 40. According to Nyabichune Secondary School teacher Patrick Gabriel, the successful implementation of this project has addressed major challenges facing science teaching at the school.

The modern laboratories have boosted students' enthusiasm and contributed to better academic performance. Patrick Gabriel expressed confidence that the school could produce professionals in fields such as geology and mining. The school's improved facilities are part of Barrick North Mara's efforts to support the government's initiatives to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Beyond education, Barrick North Mara has invested 335 million Tanzanian shillings in constructing three staff houses at Nyangoto Health Centre. The houses, including two semi-detached units, have enabled five health workers who previously lived far away to move closer to the facility. This development has improved healthcare delivery and allowed medical personnel to respond more quickly, particularly during night-time emergencies.

The Nyangoto Health Centre attends to between 226 and 305 inpatients monthly, while 780 to 1,000 outpatients receive treatment and are discharged within the same period. Residents have welcomed the development, with Catherine Enock saying that having health workers living near the facility could improve emergency response and help save lives.

Barrick North Mara's corporate social responsibility programme has also benefited Matongo Secondary School with a 172 million Tanzanian shilling modern administration block. The school's second master, Boniphace Shagembe, said the facility had helped address administrative challenges while supporting efforts to improve access to education for children from Matongo and Kitenga villages.

The establishment of Matongo Secondary School has reduced the need for students to travel long distances to Nyamongo Secondary School, a situation that previously contributed to dropouts, particularly among girls. The Barrick-Twiga Future Forward Education Programme seeks to expand and improve infrastructure in government secondary schools, particularly those offering Advanced Level education, to increase opportunities for students to progress to higher education.

Key points

• Barrick North Mara Mine invests 240 million Tanzanian shillings in modern science laboratories at Nyabichune Secondary School.
• The investment has doubled enrolment in Physics from 20 students last year to 40.
• Barrick North Mara's corporate social responsibility programme supports initiatives in healthcare, water supply, economic empowerment, and community infrastructure.