THE Realising Education of Development (READ Tanzania) and Deloitte Tanzania have launched the implementation of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which involves refurbishment and equipping libraries in four public secondary schools in the Dar es Salaam Region.

Deloitte is collaborating with the educational organisation as part of the WorldClass initiative, a global programme aimed to reach 100 million people by 2030 through partnerships with leading educational organisations worldwide.

Speaking during the launch in Dar es Salaam last week, Deloitte Tanzania’s country managing partner, Kibiki Fortunatus stated that the collaboration aims to support the improvement of educational outcomes in Tanzania by creating an environment that stimulates students’ interest in reading and fosters a love for literature.

He named the schools Kipunguni, Turiani, Minazi Mirefu, and Magomeni Makuti as the first phase of the project, with phase two to commence after the successful implementation and review of phase one.

“Deloitte is proud to support READ, which is working across Tanzania to enhance the quality of education by creating or refurbishing libraries, fully equipping them, and training teachers to apply advanced methodologies to improve literacy,” said Fortunatus.

Naemy Sillayo, READ Tanzania executive director, Naemy Sillayo, stated that the project’s goal is to improve the quality of education in the country by ensuring that public school environments are conducive to learning and teaching.

Sillayo highlighted that reading has been a challenge in many African countries and that supporting well-designed reading environments can enhance and motivate students, helping to build a reading culture and increase knowledge to address various societal challenges.

“To achieve this, we create well-arranged and furnished libraries equipped with various textbooks and literature, as well as computers. We also build the capacity of teachers to use advanced teaching methodologies and techniques to improve literacy,” she said

She added that the organisation also empowers pupils through reading clubs to become self-reliant readers with improved self-esteem for future success.

She noted that the refurbishment of Magomeni Makuti and Turiani libraries will accommodate more than 68 students at a time.

Kinondoni Municipality’s secondary education officer, Mtundi Nyamhanga said the launch of the modern libraries will help address longstanding challenges faced by the schools.

“I urge other stakeholders to support the government by investing in public schools and enhancing them with various educational infrastructures so that students can learn effectively,” Nyamhanga said.

Magomeni Makuti’s headmistress, Sarafiya Bayo explained that previously, the school has for many years operated without a library and sufficient books, which hindered students’ ability to read independently and study effectively, particularly during reading classes.

She also noted that due to the scarcity of books, many students had to share a single book, making it difficult for them to excel in their studies.

“This project has been immensely helpful because we now have a large, well-equipped library with a variety of books and computers. This will motivate both students and teachers to read more, gain additional knowledge, and ultimately improve exam performance,” she said.