AUTHORITIES in Chato District, Geita Region, have pledged to continue strengthening partnerships with financial institutions to promote welfare and development of residents.

Chato District Commissioner, Louis Bura, made the pledge yesterday when receiving 40 desks worth 3,280,000/-, donated by one financial institution to Mkuyuni Primary School. 

Bura explained that the donation was timely, given the large number of pupils enrolled in pre-primary and first grade this year, emphasizing that the desks would improve learning environment and urged other institutions to address shortage of desks in primary and secondary schools.

Bura also encouraged stakeholders to collaborate with other organisations, including the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) in Chato District, to help meet the demand for over 20,000 additional desks in the district.

The school’s head teacher, Verena Nicholaus, shared that the school faces shortage of 213 desks, with some pupils having to sit on the floor, which negatively impacts their academic performance.

Gerald Ndikumana, a representative of district council director, congratulated the donor but highlighted that the district still faces a deficit of over 20,000 desks, stressing that efforts are needed to address this shortage challenge due to the increasing number of children enrolling each year in pre-primary and first grade. 

Ndikumana also mentioned that Mkuyuni Primary School has 1,683 pupils, with over 460 enrolled in pre-primary and first grade for 2025.