The Tanzanian government has invested 604.6bn/- in the past five years to improve the learning environment for students. The funds were used to construct 676 new schools and 34,464 pit latrines. Deputy Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office-Regional Administration and Local Government, Dr. Festo Dugange, revealed this at Isamilo Primary School in Sengerema District, Mwanza Region. The construction is part of the BOOST Primary Student Learning Programme, which aims to enhance education infrastructure.
The BOOST Primary Student Learning Programme, launched in 2022, is a four-year project that was initially set to conclude this year. However, Dr. Dugange stated that the project has exceeded its target by 40 percent in improving learning infrastructure. The programme has delivered over 16,000 classrooms, rehabilitated 1,059 primary schools, and rebuilt 51 schools. This achievement is attributed to the government's dedication to providing quality education.
The improved learning environment has boosted academic performance in primary schools across the country. Mwanza Region, one of the areas with the highest pupil populations, ranked second in the Primary School Leaving Examination results recently released by the National Examinations Council of Tanzania. Dr. Dugange credited the government's efforts, led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for the progress.
The government allocated approximately 541m/- to construct over 14 classrooms at Isamilo Primary School. Dr. Dugange emphasized that the government cares deeply about its children and is committed to building quality schools to ensure they learn in a conducive environment. He urged local government authorities, teachers, and parents to safeguard these facilities and conduct regular maintenance.
Sengerema District Commissioner, Ms. Senyi, noted that the construction of the school has eliminated the need for pupils to walk long distances to access education. The school was built with modern infrastructure under the BOOST project. A resident of Isamilo, Ombeni Maduhu, expressed relief that their children can now study in a well-equipped school that accommodates pupils with physical challenges.
The BOOST programme was launched with an initial target of 12,000 new classrooms, along with the rehabilitation of dilapidated schools and ICT investments. The project has a total expenditure of approximately 1.15tri/-, making it one of the government's largest education investments over the past four years. The programme is implemented jointly by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology and the President's Office-Regional Administration and Local Government.
The project's success is attributed to its well-designed structure and funding model. The government disbursed 480 million USD under the Program-for-Results financing model, while 20 million USD was allocated directly to fund operational activities and program coordination under Investment Project Financing. The government aims to continue investing in education infrastructure to ensure a conducive learning environment for all students.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government invested 604.6bn/- in education infrastructure, constructing 676 new schools and 34,464 pit latrines.
- The BOOST Primary Student Learning Programme exceeded its target by 40 percent, delivering over 16,000 classrooms and rehabilitating 1,059 primary schools.
- The improved learning environment has boosted academic performance, with Mwanza Region ranking second in the Primary School Leaving Examination results.
