PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has stated that the Kizimkazi festival helps to bring citizens together, maintain unity and strengthen the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

Launching a preparatory school in Tasani Makunduchi in South Unguja Regions as part of this year’s Kizimkazi Festival starting August 18 and terminating on August 25, she said that the festival is a developmental event as it drives the implementation of significant development projects for communities.

The Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan Preparatory School comprises five classrooms for 40 pupils each, taking upwards of 800m/- to build, where the president said this year's festival as it contributes to progress as it will reach most areas in South Unguja District.

Various development organizations are ready to support the implementation of projects in the district, she said, emphasizing that in the health and reproductive health policy, the first 1000 days of a child's life are crucial for obtaining proper nutrition.

It serves as the foundation for building physical and mental health in the future, so children who will be brought to the school aged three and above will be rewarded with physical development.

Activities in the building will serve to prepare their minds for future learning, and their physical health will be supported because the right food is provided here, she said.

The president urged parents and guardians to contribute towards minor services for the maintenance of the school so it remains in a good condition, appealing them to add foods to their children who are assured of porridge at the school.

Children must be prepared from a young age for upper levels of education, and this center will protect children in their social outlook, teach them proper behaviour and self-awareness.

By the time they start primary education, they have learned the basics of self-awareness, she said, praising NMB Bank for sponsoring the construction of the school. It has two other classrooms accommodating 200 pupils at a time.

Lela Muhamed Mussa, the Education and Vocational Training minister for Zanzibar, stated that the Kizimkazi festival impacts the lives of citizens. It is important for it to be maintained as development inspiration is needed at all times, she stated.

The festival entails two major educational projects, she said, highlighting preparatory education as mandatory policy, she said, noting that this year’s budget sets aside funds to build 33 preparatory schools to provide quality education for children.

The ministry is currently implementing a new education curriculum that has started at the preparatory level, she said, while Ruth Zaipuna, the NMB chief executive officer, said that this school will serve as a solid foundation for the development of children, chiefly from that village. 

The school has been built to modern standards, with modern infrastructure and facilities for children to play, providing a good learning environment and building their health, she stated.

The 800m/- cost represents a symbol of hope and a new dream for children, with a strong educational foundation that will help them in their future learning.

The project is a result of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy agenda, as each year NMB allocates one percent of its profit after tax funds for development projects through community responsibility.

"Our community responsibility policy focuses on major areas such as education, health, financial literacy and disaster relief,” where during the current year NMB Bank has put up such projects in Zanzibar and on the Mainland.

In the first half of this year the bank has provided over 6,000 desks that has enabled 19,000 pupils to study more comfortably, she added.