Seated in the front row, from left: Dr. George Buberwa (MAPEC Executive Director), Col. Hamis Maiga (Missenyi District Commissioner), Shoichi Ueda (Head of Japan Mission), and Stephen Ndaki (Kagera Regional Administrative Secretary).
By Mutayoba Arbogast
Kagera —A milestone in improving girls’ education and safety has been achieved in Missenyi District, following the official launch of a girls’ dormitory at Kagera Secondary School on December 12, 2024.
The facility, funded by the government of Japan through its embassy in Tanzania, was implemented by the Missenyi Aids and Poverty Eradication Crusade (MAPEC). The dormitory, which cost Sh 270.1 million, is set to transform the lives of 120 students by providing a secure and conducive learning environment.
Equipped with 60 double beds, 30 bookcases for shared use, a matron's house for care and oversight, and essential amenities like toilets, showers, and laundry facilities, the dormitory ensures students' comfort and security. It also features an advanced fire detection and alarm system to enhance safety.
Construction began on May 2, 2024, and was completed on schedule by December 12, 2024, showcasing the efficiency and commitment of the stakeholders involved.
Ambassador Misawa Yasushi (in white robe), with Projestus Tegamaisho (Missenyi District Council Chairperson) on his left, and Dr. George Buberwa (first from left). Photo: Courtesy
During the inauguration ceremony, Missenyi District Commissioner Colonel (Retired) Hamis Maiga, representing Kagera Regional Commissioner Fatma Mwassa, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Japanese government for its steadfast support in empowering girls through education.
Dr. George Buberwa, MAPEC’s Executive Director, underscored the impact of the project, explaining how it eliminates the daily 12-kilometer commute for girls, shielding them from potential dangers.
"It'll help girls from abandoning school for fearing sexual harassment while on the way, as now their security is guaranteed, thus their performance will be raised," said Buberwa.
Japan’s commitment to community development was emphasized by Shoichi Ueda, head of the country’s mission in Tanzania. He highlighted that this was the second dormitory funded by Japan in Missenyi District and indicated readiness to support the construction of a boys’ dormitory at Kagera Secondary School if required.
"I congratulate MAPEC for managing our projects well, and we are ready to build another dormitory for boys if there seems to be a need," said Ueda.
The signing of the project agreement earlier this year in March coincided with International Women’s Day celebrations, emphasizing the dormitory’s role in advancing gender equality and educational opportunities for girls.
This project is particularly significant given the sobering statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which reported 2,382 cases of child rape in 2023.
The facility’s launch comes at a time when the global fight against gender-based violence is in the spotlight, following the annual UN-led 16 Days of Activism campaign that concluded on December 10.
With this dormitory, Japan and MAPEC have delivered a critical intervention that not only protects girls from violence but also empowers them to pursue education in a safe and nurturing environment.
The initiative underscores the power of international cooperation in addressing local challenges and sets a precedent for future development projects aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.