President Samia Inaugurates Girls’ Secondary School in Ruvuma

President Samia Suluhu Hassan  inaugurated the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Girls’ Secondary School in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region.

The launch of this institution is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational infrastructure and provide greater opportunities for girls to access quality education in safe and conducive environments.

The school, which can accommodate over 1,000 students at a time, was constructed at a cost of TZS 4.643 billion. This substantial investment in the education sector aims to improve learning conditions and motivate students, particularly girls, who often face various challenges in their educational journey.

In her speech during the inauguration ceremony, President Samia emphasized that the construction of the school demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that girls receive a quality education and have equal opportunities as boys. “Education is a fundamental right for every child. Through this school, we want to see more girls enjoying the chance to learn without any barriers,” President Samia stated, urging parents and guardians to encourage their children to study diligently.

Apart from classrooms, the school features modern dormitories specifically designed to provide students with a conducive living and learning environment. It is also equipped with science laboratories, a modern library, and sports facilities, all aimed at ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and high-quality education.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda, highlighted that the school is one of several educational projects being implemented by the government to address challenges in access to education, particularly in rural areas. He stressed that such schools will increase the number of girls completing secondary education and help reduce rates of early marriages and gender-based violence.

“This school is a testament to the government’s strong commitment to improving education and investing in the development of girls. We believe that by providing such quality learning environments, we will empower our girls to dream big and achieve their goals,” Professor Mkenda said.

Leaders from the Ruvuma Region also expressed their gratitude to President Samia for her efforts to bring development to the region, particularly in the education sector. Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Colonel Laban Thomas, stated that the school would help reduce the overcrowding of students in other secondary schools and thus improve the quality of education provided.

“We are very grateful for these efforts that will help raise awareness among parents and students about the importance of education. We promise to continue supporting the government in ensuring that we make further progress in the education sector,” said Colonel Thomas.

Residents of Namtumbo were visibly elated to receive the modern school, which they had long been anticipating. They stated that the school would significantly contribute to raising the standard of education for their children, especially girls who often miss out on opportunities to continue their studies due to a lack of adequate infrastructure.

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Speaking on behalf of the community, the Namtumbo District Executive Director, Ms. Sarah Ngalula, said the school would provide opportunities for girls in the district and surrounding areas to continue their studies more easily, thus reducing challenges related to distance and transportation costs.

“We are very happy with this school; it is a great support for our community. Parents were worried about their children’s education, especially for girls, but now they can be at ease knowing that there is a good opportunity for quality education right here near their homes,” said Ms. Ngalula.

The inauguration of the Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan Girls’ Secondary School marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen the education sector and ensure that every child, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to learn and achieve their dreams.