TWO secondary schools in Ilala and Temeke districts, Dar es Salaam Region have received 180 desks, tables, and chairs to reinforce teaching and learning environments, and uplift academic performance.

The beneficiary schools include Uhamiaji Secondary School located in Temeke District which received 40 tables and 40 chairs for teachers as well as Mchikichini Secondary School in Ilala District that received 50 tables and chairs for students.

Worth over 10m/-, the furniture has been donated by NMB Bank as part of its commitment to create a conducive environment for students and teachers.

Temeke District Commissioner, Sixtus Mapunda who received the furniture for Uhamiaji Secondary School commended the bank for its generous gesture reaffirming the sixth-phase government’s commitment to support the development of the education sector.

“We understand that many schools in Temeke District still face many challenges and need more support from stakeholders due to limited budgets. I am so grateful to NMB Bank for the support,” he said.

Mapunda called upon other corporate stakeholders to also direct their support to stimulate development of the education sector.

Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo said: The sixth-phase government has played a pivotal role in setting up supportive education sector infrastructure. We commend generous partners like NMB for supporting Government efforts.”

Christopher Mtabutu, Uhamiaji Secondary School headteacher noted that his school faces an acute shortage of desks expressing optimism that the donated desks will help address the deficit to minimal levels.

“This donation has come at the right time as we have been facing a deficit of teachers’ desks. I believe the donated items will not only help in improving their working environment but the safety of their belongings as well,” he added.

Nelson Nestory, Mchikichini Secondary School headteacher said: “We are glad that NMB Bank has finally been able to close the deficit gap after donating 50 chairs and 50 tables today for teachers. We will strive to preserve these desks for use by future generations.”

Ferdinand Mpona, the bank’s acting zonal manager (Dar es Salaam) said the education sector is among the bank’s priorities in terms of corporate social investment (CSI) and reiterated the bank’s commitment to continue working closely with all the stakeholders including the government in uplifting development of the education sector across the country.

“As a bank, we recognize that education is the key. This is why we have for years invested heavily in uplifting the growth of the education sector. The education sector is one of our key priority areas in our CSI strategy. We have been setting aside one percent of our Profit After Tax (PAT) each year to support various development initiatives,” he said.

Mpona added: “We believe the furniture that we are donating today will go a long way in improving the schools’ learning environment.”