IN an effort to reduce the use of polluting energy sources (charcoal and firewood) within government institutions, four primary schools in Mkuranga district, Coast Region, have received new eco-friendly cookstoves.

These stoves were provided through the Better School Program, currently in progress in the region. Moreover, the program distributed school supplies including notebooks and pens to families affected by floods in Kibiti and Rufiji Districts.

In her speech following the aid distribution, the Acting Administrative Secretary of the Coastal Region (DAS), Shangwe Twamala, expressed gratitude to the program for recognizing the community of the Coastal Region and supporting the victims while also advocating for environmental care.

Twamala emphasized that the region will further progress in adopting clean cooking energy by utilizing these stoves to mitigate the adverse impacts of firewood and charcoal on institutions and society at large.

Moreover, the Acting Administrative Secretary instructed Executive District Directors (DEDs) to ensure the timely delivery of aid to the beneficiaries.

Gertrude Mapunda, the representative of the British Embassy, emphasized that the stoves will enhance environmental protection in the region, and the school equipment will assist families affected by floods.

Mapunda expressed, "When it rains, severe consequences arise; even the trees struggle to grow, leading to reduced rainfall, ultimately harming the environment and contributing to climate change."

Furthermore, she highlighted the stoves' dual benefits for the environment and health, noting that the smoke from wood and charcoal usage has adversely impacted many individuals across various locations in the country.

She emphasized that these stoves should serve as a catalyst for fostering a renewed focus on restoring favorable environmental conditions within their regions.

She further noted that they have initiated contributions towards schools and education programs, with plans to continue supporting program areas.

Virginie Briand, the program leader, highlighted that the provision of school equipment aims to assist families affected by the rain, ensuring that children can continue their education.

Additionally, she mentioned that the clean energy stoves will complement the government's environmental conservation efforts.

Winfrid Chilumba, the coordinator of the Bora school program under the Office of the President Tamisemi, instructed that the equipment be directed to areas with urgent needs while remaining available to others in need.

Sara Malaki, the Coastal Region Education Officer, shared that the region serves as a model for nine regions implementing the Best Schools program, with implementation commencing in April 2022.

She expressed gratitude to the program for aiding the local community with 40m/- grants.