Students from Mtemi Mazengo Primary School in Dodoma have demonstrated how early education can contribute to consumer protection and fair trade after taking the lead in educating Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Dennis Londo on measurement standards during the 33rd Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition.
The students, members of the school's Measurement Club (Vipimo Club), showcased their knowledge at the Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) pavilion on August 7, explaining the importance of accurate measurements, proper labelling of packaged products and the risks posed by under-measurement practices commonly known as lumbesa.
Mr Londo said he was impressed by the students' understanding of technical measurement issues and their ability to communicate them effectively to both leaders and the public.
“I am very pleased by what I have seen. These students are serving as ambassadors of fairness and consumer protection. WMA's investment in educating the younger generation is producing encouraging results,” he said.
The students were participating in a practical learning programme organised by WMA to strengthen awareness of measurement standards among schoolchildren.
As part of the initiative, they were entrusted with managing activities at the agency's exhibition pavilion, including educating visitors, demonstrating measuring equipment and responding to public inquiries.
The programme forms part of WMA's broader strategy to promote a culture of accurate measurement and fair trade practices from an early age.
WMA Director of Technical Services Francis Olwero said the agency plans to expand measurement clubs in schools across the country to create a generation that understands the value of accurate measurements in trade and daily life.
He said the performance of the Mtemi Mazengo students demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating practical measurement education into school programmes.
“Our goal is to build a strong foundation of measurement literacy among young people so that they can become ambassadors of fair trade and consumer rights in their communities,” he said.
The club's leader, Glory Enock, said participation in the exhibition had provided students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired through the programme while promoting WMA's campaign message: 'Measure Fairly, Earn Legitimate Profit.'
“We have learned the importance of accurate measurements and now we are helping parents, traders and other community members understand why correct measurements matter,” she said.
Members of the public who visited the pavilion commended the initiative and urged WMA to extend the programme to more schools, arguing that greater awareness of measurement standards would help protect consumers and strengthen confidence in commercial transactions.
