Lindi. A new classroom handed over by Knauf to Makangaga Primary School in Kiranjeranje Ward, Lindi Region, is expected to ease congestion and improve learning conditions for pupils.
The facility was handed over during a ceremony attended by Knauf officials, local government leaders, school administrators, teachers, parents and pupils.
The project formed part of Knauf’s community development initiatives in areas surrounding its mining operations.
Speaking during the handover, Knauf Legal Counsel and External and Government Affairs Manager Flora Erasto said the company remained committed to supporting communities around its operations.
“We are pleased to hand over this new classroom to Makangaga Primary School as part of our continued commitment to improving communities,” she said.
Ms Erasto said Knauf had previously supported the village through the provision of desks, chairs, a water well and other assistance.
“We do not measure what we do because this is Knauf’s commitment. Today, we are happy to hand over this new classroom, and this is a sign that we are ready to do even more,” she said.
Makangaga Primary School headteacher Frank Theobard said the new classroom would help address shortages of learning space and improve attendance.
He said the facility would also create a better environment for pupils to pursue their academic goals.
“This contribution will support the development of the village, the country and Africa as a whole. We sincerely thank Knauf for this initiative,” Mr Theobard said.
Kiranjeranje Village Chairman Seleman Mnonya said the classroom was among several interventions by the company to support the community.
He said Knauf had also provided desks, water wells and other assistance, expressing hope that more development projects would follow.
Kiranjeranje Ward Executive Officer Hasnati Haule, who represented the Kilwa District Director’s Office, thanked Knauf for its continued support to schools in the area.
She said the company had previously donated desks and chairs to primary and secondary schools in the ward, helping improve education infrastructure.
Assistant Mining Inspector from the Office of the Resident Mines Officer in Lindi Region, Haji Suleiman, also commended the initiative and called on other development partners to support communities in need.
For the pupils, the new classroom offered more than additional learning space.
Grade Six pupil Nurat Hassan said the handover had inspired her to work harder in her studies, while fellow pupil Daivat Abdallah thanked Knauf for the facility and pledged to improve his academic performance.
The classroom was officially opened through a ribbon-cutting ceremony involving Knauf officials, school leaders and local government representatives before the facility was handed over to the school.
