The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project has handed over a modern welding workshop building together with training equipment to Don Bosco Vocational Training College in Dar es Salaam as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
The support aims to improve hands-on learning environments and enhance the quality of vocational training, particularly in welding, a field that is in high demand in both local and international job markets.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, EACOP Project Director, Mr. Emmanuel Blarez, said that one of the project’s key priorities is supporting communities through investment in education and skills development.
“We support the Government’s efforts to ensure Tanzanian youth acquire skills that enable them to become self-employed or secure employment in various government and private sector projects, both locally and internationally.
Therefore, investing in vocational education is a critical investment in national development,” said Mr. Blarez.
He added that the newly handed-over building and equipment will enable students to study in a safe, modern, and conducive environment that meets current standards, and will attract more students to enroll in welding courses.
“I urge students to make good use of this facility and the equipment provided in order to build competence that will make them competitive in the job market. Discipline, skills, and commitment are key pillars of success,” he emphasized.
On his part, the Head of Don Bosco College, Father Felix Wagi, expressed gratitude to EACOP for implementing the local content policy in practice through investment in education and empowerment of youth both economically and academically.
He noted that the improvements will increase student enrollment in the welding program, which previously had between 15 and 20 students due to infrastructure challenges.
“With these improvements, we believe the number of students will increase significantly, and we will produce more professionals needed in major national and international projects,” said Father Wagi.
EACOP Tanzania’s Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility and Capacity Building, Ms. Clare Haule, stated that the project recognizes the importance of investing in youth education as a catalyst for national economic growth.
She explained that the decision to support the welding department followed an assessment conducted two years ago, which identified the need to improve the learning environment.
“We were impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and commitment despite the infrastructure challenges. That motivated us to collaborate with the college leadership to improve these facilities,” said Ms. Haule.
She encouraged students to value and properly utilize the equipment, noting that such opportunities are rare and can serve as a bridge toward achieving their academic and career aspirations.
The Eastern Zone Manager of the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), Mr. Lorivii Longidu, commended EACOP for continuing to lead in the implementation of the national local content policy by positively impacting communities and empowering youth through skills development.
“This investment benefits not only Don Bosco students but the entire nation. Once these students complete their studies, they will contribute to national development by working in various projects or through self-employment,” he said.
The President of the College Students’ Government, Mr. Casmir Joseph, stated that the new building and equipment will enhance practical learning and motivate more young men and women to enroll in vocational training programs.
The 1,443-kilometer EACOP pipeline runs from Hoima in Uganda to Chongoleani in Tanga Region, Tanzania, passing through eight regions of mainland Tanzania namely Kagera, Geita, Shinyanga, Tabora, Singida, Dodoma, Manyara, and Tanga.
The project shareholders are TotalEnergies (62 percent), TPDC (15 percent), Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) (15 percent), and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) (8 percent).
