Classroom project addresses crisis at Njombe school

Njombe. The Barrick-Twiga Future Forward Education Programme has supported the construction of seven classrooms at Ulayasi Secondary School in Ludewa District at a cost of Sh175 million.

The project, implemented through a partnership between Barrick Gold Corporation and the government, aims to address classroom shortages and improve learning conditions in secondary schools.

Presenting the project report ahead of the Uhuru Torch Race inspection, the school’s headmaster, Hamika Magaya, said the shortage had forced advanced-level students to share classrooms, affecting enrolment and learning.

He said construction started in May 2024 and was completed in August 2025.

Mr Magaya said the additional classrooms would reduce congestion and allow the school to admit more students.

“With these seven classrooms, the school can now accommodate more students and provide a better learning environment,” he said.

Uhuru Torch Race leader Wazo Michael Mwang’onda said improved infrastructure was important in supporting academic performance and commended Barrick for partnering with the government on the project.

He urged students, teachers and community leaders to protect the facilities.

Ludewa District Commissioner Olivanus Paul Thomas said the project was expected to improve academic performance at the school.

Speaking on behalf of students, Matrida Damas Kalombo said the classrooms would help create a more conducive environment for learning.

Under the programme’s first phase, 396 classrooms, 97 dormitories and 600 toilets were built in government secondary schools nationwide at a cost of $10 million.

The second phase, launched in March 2025, is 83 percent complete and targets 65 schools.