Njombe Secondary School has recorded significant savings of over TZS 9 million this term after phasing out firewood and adopting clean cooking energy in its kitchens.
The move aligns with government efforts to promote safe, sustainable energy use across institutions.
The school’s headmaster, Benard William, said the switch was motivated by the need to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
Previously, the school spent a substantial portion of its budget on firewood, limiting funds available for other essential activities.
“Beyond the financial savings, clean energy has improved kitchen productivity. Cooking is faster, safer, and more efficient compared to using firewood,” William said during a visit by experts from the Ministry of Energy.
He added that the shift has eliminated smoke-related health hazards, improving working conditions for kitchen staff.
Geologist Nsajigwa Maclena, from the Ministry of Energy’s Clean Cooking Energy Unit, emphasized that the government continues to encourage schools and other institutions to adopt clean energy alternatives.
“The objective is to protect the environment by reducing deforestation while expanding access to safe and clean energy nationwide,” Nsajigwa said.
He commended Njombe Secondary School for leading by example, urging other institutions to follow suit.
The transition to clean cooking energy reflects Tanzania’s broader strategy to balance cost efficiency, environmental sustainability, and public health, particularly in educational institutions.
Experts say that schools embracing such innovations contribute directly to national targets on clean energy adoption and forest conservation.
William noted that the success of the initiative has inspired plans to expand the use of clean energy in other school operations, signaling a shift toward more sustainable practices in the education sector.
