Ilboru Primary School, located in the Arusha District Council, has benefited from the construction of four new classrooms under the Boosting and Strengthening Early Childhood and Primary Education (BOOST) project, implemented by the government with funding from the World Bank (WB).

The school’s headteacher, Philomena Mbiling’i, stated that the construction of the classrooms and toilet facilities cost TZS 112.6 million, with three classrooms serving pre-primary pupils and one for first-grade students. Additionally, six toilet stalls were built for pre-primary students and teachers.  

“Our school has a total of 1,629 students—869 boys and 760 girls—and we previously faced a shortage of classrooms. The BOOST project has brought motivation and enhanced learning, with students now enjoying clean and modern infrastructure,” said Mbiling’i.  

Anna Marti, an early childhood education teacher at the school, mentioned that she teaches 92 children—50 boys and 42 girls—including those with special needs, such as pupils with albinism and one with a physical disability.  

“The improved infrastructure has helped our children grasp lessons faster because they learn through interactive methods like storytelling, games, and discussions. They also receive health and nutrition education,” Marti explained.  

She added that the upgraded facilities have increased attendance and boosted pupils’ enthusiasm for learning—a testament to the BOOST project’s success in strengthening early childhood and primary education in Tanzania.

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