By Mutayob Arbogast
For years, more than 230 schoolchildren in Lushenye and neighboring hamlets in Missenyi District, northwest Tanzania, faced a frightening daily ordeal: crossing the powerful Kagera River in old, leaking, and unsafe canoes just to reach school. Today, that danger has finally come to an end.
Thanks to a modern motorized boat donated by Missenyi Member of Parliament Florent Kyombo, students who once paddled themselves through crocodile-infested waters now have a safe and reliable means of transportation.
The river crossing has long been one of the most hazardous journeys for children attending Bugorora Primary School and Nkenge Secondary School. Even preschoolers under the age of five were forced to brave turbulent currents, unpredictable weather, and the constant threat of wildlife. With canoe operators frequently absent, many students often ferried themselves—a dangerous and illegal practice that led to late arrivals, absenteeism, and constant fear.
During a 2024 field visit, this reporter witnessed firsthand the severity of the situation. With parental consent, three primary school pupils shared their trauma.
“We’re always late for school because of the river,” one young girl whispered. “Sometimes we miss lessons because we’re too scared to cross.”
A boy added quietly, “We need help. We need someone to listen to us and make things right.”
The head teacher of Bugorora Primary School acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but declined to comment without district authorization, a reflection of the sensitivity surrounding the issue.
The turning point came in 2023, when Hon. Florent Laurent Kyombo visited Lushenye hamlet—home to 95 households—and heard directly from residents about the hardships they faced. True to his promise, the MP has now provided a reliable, engine-powered canoe to ease transportation between Lushenye and Bugorora village, dramatically improving access to schools and other vital services. Previously, residents had to travel over 25 kilometers to the administrative offices in Gaburanga village, Kassambya ward.
At the official handover ceremony, residents gathered in overwhelming numbers, celebrating with dancing and cheers. Their gratitude was palpable: for the first time, they felt truly seen and supported. No longer would their children risk drowning or encountering hippos and crocodiles just to get an education.
Hon. Kyombo assured the community that he would cover fuel and maintenance costs until 2030, after which the community will take ownership. Residents hailed his integrity, commitment, and leadership, expressing renewed hope for promised developments such as rural electrification, a satellite school, and improved local infrastructure.
With this new boat, a community long defined by risk and isolation now sees a safer, brighter future—one where education is no longer a life-threatening journey.
