Students visiting the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) pavilion at the Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition in Zanzibar are gaining practical knowledge on forest conservation, beekeeping and sustainable use of natural resources, helping bridge the gap between classroom lessons and real-life experiences.
The exhibition, held at Dole Kizimbani grounds, has provided a platform for TFS to educate the public, particularly students, on the importance of protecting forests and exploring opportunities arising from forest-based activities.
A teacher at Intelligence Secondary School, Mariam Hatib, said the visit had enabled students to acquire practical skills on issues they previously understood only through textbooks.
“We have learned about the importance of forests, beekeeping and the process of producing honey. This kind of practical education helps students understand better because they can see and experience what they learn in class,” she said.
She added that early exposure to environmental conservation education was important in shaping responsible citizens who understand the value of natural resources and their role in protecting them.
For Form Three student at Hasuu Makame Secondary School, Hawa Abdallah, the visit changed her perception of beekeeping after learning about various products obtained from bees beyond honey.
“Before visiting the TFS pavilion, I only knew about honey. Today, I have learned about beekeeping, forest conservation and other products from bees. I hope TFS continues participating in these exhibitions so that more students can benefit from this knowledge,” she said.
TFS officials have used the Nanenane platform to showcase conservation initiatives, including tree planting, production of seedlings, beekeeping and value-added products from forests.
The agency’s participation reflects efforts to promote environmental awareness and encourage communities to view forests not only as natural resources to be protected but also as sources of sustainable livelihoods.
For students and other visitors, the TFS pavilion has become a learning centre where conservation messages are translated into practical lessons, supporting efforts to build a more environmentally conscious society.
