Tanzania: HERI Foundation Donates Big To Pangani Primary School

By Prosper Makene, Tanga

PUPILS of Funguni Primary School in Pangani District, Tanga Region had all the reasons to smile when Pangani District Commissioner, Zainab Abdallah handed over donated desks and renovated two classrooms from HERI Foundation based in Dar es Salaam.

The organization, HERI Foundation, renovated two classrooms and handed over 20 new desks, along with renovating 20 more desks.

The handing-over ceremony was attended by by several government officials.

DC Zainab thanked HERI Foundation’s efforts in advancing education in the district, highlighting the importance of education and praised the organization’s commitment to assisting underprivileged communities.

“I commend HERI Foundation for their support in developing education in Pangani District. I urge them to continue their efforts and become guardians of Funguni Primary School. We are immensely grateful for their generosity,” said DC Zainab.

Susan Ngole, the Executive Director of the HERI Foundation, explained the organization’s mission and expressed her delight at being able to contribute to the development of Funguni Primary School.

“The HERI Foundation aims to improve the educational environment for teaching and learning. We are thrilled to have provided these classrooms and desks, as they were previously in poor condition and unusable.

It brings us great comfort to see that students can now continue their studies without hindrance,” said Ngole.

The event marks a significant milestone in Funguni Primary School’s journey towards creating an optimal learning environment for its students.

She said the donation of two fully furnished classrooms and desks will enrich the educational experience and empower the students of Pangani.

“Today is a special day for Funguni Primary School. These classrooms and desks will not only provide our students with an excellent learning environment but also inspire them to dream big and realize their full potential. We are extremely grateful to the HERI Foundation for their generosity,” said the school’s Head Teacher, Flora Mayaka.

The Pangani East Ward Councilor, Akida Boramimi, on his part, emphasized the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and society in improving education.

“This contribution is the result of combined efforts by the government and organizations like the HERI Foundation. It is encouraging to witness such collaborations working towards a common goal -enhancing the quality of education in Pangani.

Let’s continue to work together for the betterment of our children,” said Boramimi.

Established in 1976, Funguni Primary School currently has 668 students and 18 teachers and provides special education classes for children with intellectual impairments.

The school faces several challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure such as classrooms, desks, toilets, and kitchens, as well as the absence of a designated area for student meals.

The headteacher said that the school faces a severe shortage of houses for teachers, water and electricity.

However, HERI Foundation is a non-governmental organization that advocates for equitable access to quality health care and education for all.

The organization seeks to ensure increased access to quality healthcare and education for all regardless of geographical location, ethnic group, gender, age or any form of disability; by providing healthcare and educational facilities, capacity development to healthcare workers, community engagement activities, etc. HERI Foundation is committed to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly to the attainment of Goal 3 – Good Health and well-being and Goal 4 – Quality Education.

To HERI Foundation, good health and well-being as well as quality education for all, form a foundation for healthier livelihoods and well-educated communities that are capable of transforming economies, politics, technology, environment and culture; for the benefit of all.

Foundation’s key objectives including advocate for equitable access to quality and affordable education and health services, Promoting community engagement in quality healthcare behaviours and education for all as well as enhancing community empowerment for the improvement of health and education for social wellbeing.