THE government has directed regional and district authorities to ensure that all schools plant shade and fruit trees to help preserve the environment, improve teaching quality and enhance academic performance.

Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Zainab Katimba made the call on Thursday at Madizini Primary School in Mvomero District, Morogoro Region, during a ceremony to present green flags from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to 26 schools.

The flags were given to four districts namely; Morogoro, Kilosa, Mvomero in Morogoro and Mufindi District in Iringa Region.

The schools were awarded the green flags after meeting the criteria of the eco-schools programme, which is managed by the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group (TFCG). 

This international initiative, launched in 1994 by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Copenhagen, Denmark, encourages schools and communities to work together to promote environmental conservation alongside quality education for sustainable development.

The programme’s goal is to foster a generation with a strong sense of environmental responsibility, encouraging creativity and practical education from pre-schools to universities.

Katimba emphasized that it is essential for leaders to ensure that teachers, students, and communities actively participate in planting and maintaining trees to preserve land and protect the environment.

“These four councils that have received Green Flag awards must continue their efforts in environmental conservation to serve as examples for other schools and the nation,” Katimba said. 

She added: “Morogoro region, in particular, has a significant number of schools involved in this programme, and regional leaders must ensure the initiative is expanded across all primary and secondary schools. Progress reports should be submitted to the Permanent Secretary at the President’s Office every six months.”

Katimba encouraged the community to view challenges as opportunities for improvement, stressing the importance of teamwork in environmental conservation efforts.

Charles Meshack, Executive Director of TFCG, noted that through the Eco-Schools programme, 26 schools, including 22 primary and four secondary schools across mainland Tanzania, had received the Green Flag award, bringing national recognition in both educational and environmental sectors.

Evance Mwelondo, Headteacher of Kwelikwiji Primary School in Mvomero District, shared how the school had transformed through the programme. 

Once facing environmental challenges and poor academic performance, the school had no connection with the community and relied solely on government funding. 

However, the Eco-Schools programme introduced several economic and environmental projects, including cultivating cardamom, vanilla, cocoa, and beekeeping with 26 hives. 

The initiatives have provided income, which helps fund student meals, improve the school’s community standing, and reduce reliance on government funding.

Pupils, who have benefited from the programme, including Yugnes Davanus from Madizini Primary School and Briton Kapumwi from Kidudwe Primary School, highlighted their engagement in activities such as farming, beekeeping, recycling, and other environmental education initiatives.

Mvomero District Commissioner Judith Nguli affirmed that the programme continues to empower and motivate the community to protect and conserve water sources and the environment. 

She pledged that the district would remain committed to overseeing these efforts.