Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Omary Kipanga, has commended the government’s Secondary Education Quality Improvement Program (SEQUIP) for its transformative role in improving access to secondary education in Mafia District.
Speaking during his recent working tour of the district where he also serves as Member of Parliament Kipanga described SEQUIP as a cornerstone in implementing the ruling party’s 2020–2025 election manifesto, particularly in the education sector.
He said that in just five years, Mafia District has witnessed the construction of four new secondary schools at a combined cost of TSh 1.717 billion, increasing the total number of public secondary schools in the district from six to ten.
According to Kipanga, this development means more students, especially girls, can now attend school closer to home, in safer and better-equipped learning environments.
“Today, every parent in Mafia has a reason to smile,” he said. “These schools are more than buildings they represent opportunity, hope, and progress for our children and their families.”he added
The newly built schools include Kidawendui Secondary School in Ndagoni Ward, which was constructed at a cost of TSh 565 million and includes a 2-in-1 teacher’s house.
Raphta Secondary School in Kilindoni Ward cost TSh 623.998 million and also features a teacher’s house, while Amali Dongo Secondary School, also in Kilindoni, was built at TSh 528.998 million.
Jimbo Secondary School in Kirongwe Ward was completed for the same amount. Each school has been equipped with essential learning infrastructure such as classrooms, science laboratories, ICT labs, libraries, administration blocks, teacher housing, and sanitation facilities.
For example, Kidawendui Secondary School includes eight classrooms, a library, ICT and administration buildings, three science laboratories (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), a water tank tower, waste incinerator, and 34 latrine holes.
Raphta Secondary School also has eight classrooms and similar facilities, including a water tank tower, two additional office units, and 16 latrine holes.
Amali Dongo Secondary School features eight classrooms, science labs for Chemistry and Biology, and a water system, while Jimbo Secondary School offers a full science lab suite, underground water storage, and eight latrine holes.
Kipanga expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her commitment to education, especially in remote areas like Mafia.
He praised her leadership for allocating funds that have changed the education landscape in the district. He also applauded the technical team behind the project proposal, saying their professionalism and attention to detail ensured Mafia’s inclusion in SEQUIP.
“This shows that when local capacity meets national vision, great things happen,” he noted.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that these investments go beyond infrastructure. They create a conducive learning environment that encourages school attendance, reduces dropout rates, and boosts academic performance.
He urged community members to safeguard the facilities and support students and teachers as partners in development.
“We are building more than schools,” he concluded. “We are building a future where every child in Mafia has a fair chance to succeed.”he added