In its continued effort to support the government in improving learning environments, GSM Foundation has donated waste management and assistive learning materials to Mtoni Kijichi Primary School in Kijichi Ward, Temeke District, Dar es Salaam.
The donation includes 12 outdoor waste bins, 25 indoor bins, a waste trolley, and 50 educational posters with environmental messages, all aimed at promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness among students.
This initiative forms part of the foundation’s broader commitment to the implementation of Tanzania’s 2021 National Environmental Policy, which encourages private sector participation in environmental conservation.
Speaking during the event, GSM Foundation Director, Ms. Faith Gugu, emphasized the importance of integrating menstrual health support into the school system.
“The government must develop a policy to ensure free access to sanitary pads for girls from primary school to A-level,” she said.
“Just like we have free condom distribution for HIV prevention and free services for malaria and drug rehabilitation, menstrual health support is equally vital especially in rural and underserved areas.” he added
Her remarks follow a GSM Foundation initiative that saw 500 adolescent girls receive menstrual health education and the distribution of 100 boxes of sanitary pads.
This intervention seeks to address the issue of absenteeism among girls, many of whom miss up to 60 school days a year due to lack of access to sanitary products.
Beyond menstrual health, the foundation is also advancing inclusive education. As part of its commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), GSM Foundation has provided 4 wheelchairs, 10 assistive listening devices, and 10 incontinence kits to support students with disabilities.
Headteacher Twaha Kifunde Bakari praised the impact of these efforts, stating: "The availability of waste collection bins, assistive devices for children with disabilities, and sanitary products will significantly reduce student absenteeism and ease the teaching process for our staff."
In collaboration with GSM Group, the foundation also distributed Ng’arisha soaps, produced by the group, to all 100 students with special needs, helping ease the cost of personal hygiene.
Local government chairman Mohammed Suleyman of Butiama, Kijichi Ward, expressed his appreciation, saying, "We thank GSM Foundation for this timely support and welcome other organizations to come forward and address the many pressing needs our school still faces."
As of May 2025, GSM Foundation has extended its outreach to six primary schools in the Kinondoni and Temeke districts, including Tegeta, Kunduchi, Pius Msekwa, Jangwani Beach, Bwawani, and Mtoni Kijichi.
These efforts have involved the installation of 71 outdoor bins, 150 classroom bins, 6 waste trolleys, and the display of 350 educational posters, benefiting over 8,000 students and 300 teachers.
Among the student beneficiaries, Rachel Kelvin, a pupil at Mtoni Kijichi, shared her gratitude, saying, "These tools and materials will really help us take care of our school environment and also support our friends with special needs."he added
With 2,489 students enrolled, including 100 with disabilities, Mtoni Kijichi Primary School stands to benefit significantly from these contributions, which not only promote cleaner, safer learning spaces but also more inclusive and supportive educational experiences.
