Schools across Tanzania are increasingly adopting clean cooking energy, setting an example for communities while protecting students’ health and the environment.
Mr. Nolasco Mlay, Director of Clean Cooking Energy at the Ministry of Energy, urged schools to move away from firewood and switch to safer alternatives such as gas, improved stoves, and alternative charcoal.
His call came as he concluded an inspection tour of clean cooking energy projects under the CookFund program in Mwanza Region.
“Many schools still rely on firewood, which contributes to environmental degradation and poses serious health risks,” Mr. Mlay said.
“Schools that adopt clean cooking energy set a positive example, protecting both students and teachers from respiratory illnesses caused by smoke.”he added
He commended Musabe Boys’ Secondary School and Buhongwa A Primary School for embracing clean energy without support from CookFund, describing them as role models for other institutions nationwide.
According to Mr. Mlay, clean cooking energy not only reduces smoke and carbon emissions but also improves daily school activities by saving time and cutting costs.
Mr. Mlay encouraged local governments, school leaders, and education stakeholders to work together to ensure all schools have access to modern cooking facilities powered by clean energy.
He emphasized that CookFund and other national programs are ready to assist schools transitioning to clean cooking energy as part of the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy 2024–2034, which aims for 80 percent of Tanzanians to use clean energy by 2034.
He also called on investors to support the production of alternative firewood and charcoal, stressing that the absence of such producers could lead to significant economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Mr. Rodrick Kazinduki, Education Officer at Mwanza City Council, said schools adopting clean cooking energy are helping the country overcome health and environmental challenges linked to traditional fuels.
He expressed optimism that through collaboration among the government, international partners, and communities, more schools would join the clean energy movement.
By embracing modern cooking technologies, Tanzanian schools are demonstrating that education, health, and environmental protection can go hand in hand, offering a model for communities and institutions across the country.