Njombe Secondary School for the Deaf has implemented the government directive to switch to clean cooking energy, aiming to protect students and staff from the health risks caused by smoke from firewood and charcoal.
During a monitoring visit by a team from the Ministry of Energy, Geologist Nsajigwa Maclean from the Clean Cooking Energy Unit commended the school for successfully abandoning traditional fuels.
He said the move is part of the ministry’s ongoing campaign to promote clean cooking energy across Njombe region.
“Alternative fuels such as gas, energy-efficient stoves, and electricity not only reduce deforestation but also prevent respiratory illnesses among cooks and students,” Maclean explained.
“Schools that adopt clean energy are supporting the government’s efforts to protect the environment and improve public health.”
He added that the ministry will continue to educate and encourage institutions including schools, hospitals, and prisons to replace firewood and charcoal with clean, safe, and sustainable energy solutions for the benefit of current and future generations.
Principal Rosemary Mbuya said the decision to move away from firewood and charcoal was driven by high costs and the health challenges faced by cooks.
“The cost of firewood and charcoal was high, and sometimes we had to source them from far locations. Our cooks also faced health issues due to smoke exposure,” she said.
Since transitioning to gas, the school has seen significant improvements in kitchen efficiency and the health of staff.
Mbuya noted that meals are prepared faster, costs are lower, and the environment benefits from reduced tree cutting for fuel.
