Special reporter, Meatu
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The Friedkin Conservation Fund (FCF) in collaboration with Mwiba Holdings LTD, a tourism company, has launched a project to provide free lunch to 856 pupils at Makao Primary School in Meatu District, Simiyu Region.
The project was inaugurated by the District Commissioner of Meatu, Fauzia Ngatumbura, with the companies committing a monthly budget of 20.5 million Tanzanian shillings for the provision of the lunch meals.
In addition to the meals, the conservation organizations have also constructed a modern kitchen for the school, which cost 28.1 million shillings, as well as implemented a rainwater harvesting project amounting to 30.8 million shillings.
During the project launch, the District Commissioner commended the Friedkin Conservation Fund and Mwiba Holdings for their significant support to Meatu District, aligning with the directives of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure students receive nutritious meals.
Ngatumbura stated that the project would contribute to improved academic performance, reduce absenteeism, and provide a conducive learning environment for the students.
"We express our gratitude to Friedkin and Mwiba for this generous support to Meatu District, which is in line with the government's directive to ensure students have lunch at school. We encourage other investors in the district to replicate such projects, and we also call upon citizens in other areas to come forward and contribute to school feeding programs," said
Speaking about the project, Aurelia Mtui, the Projects Manager of Friedkin Tanzania, and Sylvester Bwasama, the Community Development Projects Manager of Friedkin in Meatu District, explained that the project is part of a larger initiative implemented in more than 25 villages surrounding the area where Mwiba Holdings Ltd and Tanzania Game Tracker Safaris have invested in conservation and tourism.
"We have great confidence that this project will yield positive outcomes and be sustainable to ensure that students receive quality education without facing additional challenges," said Mtui.
Bwasama also noted that, in addition to the feeding project, they have undertaken various other initiatives. These include the successful completion of teachers' houses and two classrooms in Mwajimoso Primary School, which is located in Mwambagimu Village.
Furthermore, they have implemented a rainwater harvesting system at Makao Secondary School, providing practical training in hotel management to students and young individuals to foster an understanding of the significance of tourism and conservation and later assist them in finding employment with other establishments in the area.
Bwasama added, "We are also actively supporting beekeeping projects and working with COCOBA and VICOBA groups. In collaboration with the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) and Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), we assist in managing human wildlife conflict within the conservation areas, utilising electronic tracking collars on elephants."
Moreover, they have constructed a game post in Ng'hanga village as part of their support to TAWA. The purpose of this initiative is to combat poaching and minimise conflicts between humans and wildlife.
The Chairman of Meatu District Council, Anthony Philipo, stated that the successful implementation of the projects can be attributed to the strong cooperation between the investor operating in Mwiba Ranch and Makao WMA.
The Chairman expressed satisfaction with the partnership, stating that the investor has provided valuable support in various aspects. He also emphasised that the community's acceptance of coexistence with animals and their recognition of the benefits they bring have led to the absence of any reports regarding human-wildlife conflicts from the village.
The Headteacher of Makao Primary School, John Saganda, commended the project, including the purchase of items such as pots, plates, spoons, and other equipment, which cost 3.7 million shillings.
“We promise, as teachers, to make good use of these projects to improve students' academic performance, but also to ensure they receive proper nutrition for their health”, he said.
Saganda also stated that they, as a community surrounding the areas where Mwiba Holdings Ltd conducts tourism and conservation activities, will be good ambassadors to ensure the protection of animals and the preservation of the environment.
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