The handover ceremony took place in the presence of students, teachers, the school committee, and local leaders. Photo: Courtesy
By Mutayoba Arbogast
Kashaka Primary School in Gera Ward, Missenyi District, has made significant strides towards embracing the digital age, thanks to a generous donation from a former student and local community member. Dr. Gratian Cronery Rwekaza, a lecturer at Moshi Co-operative University, donated a laptop and a desktop computer to his former school on August 30, 2024. The handover ceremony took place in the presence of students, teachers, the school committee, local leaders, and the councilor, Henry Bitegeko.
The donation marks a major milestone for the school, as it begins incorporating technology into its education system. With these new resources, both teachers and students will be able to enhance their educational experience, improving teaching and learning outcomes.
In a 2007 report from the Ministry of Education, it was noted that very few schools in the country had access to computers and the Internet. Dr. Rwekaza’s contribution is helping to bridge this gap, giving Kashaka Primary a valuable opportunity to step into the digital era.
During the event, Dr. Rwekaza commended the school for its environmental conservation efforts and expressed hope that the donated computers would be well-maintained for the benefit of both the school and the wider community. "I congratulate the school for taking care of the environment. I hope you will care for these facilities properly for the greater good of the school and the village at large," he said.
Gera Councilor Henry Bitegeko urged other community members to follow Dr. Rwekaza's example and contribute to the development of the school and the surrounding area.
Headteacher Aranus Banyanga expressed his gratitude, noting that the school had never had such equipment before. "This is a remarkable gesture. If more people gave back to the schools where they studied, we would achieve so much more," he said.
Banyanga also highlighted ongoing needs at the school, including building repairs and the acquisition of a printer. He called on community members to continue supporting the school, revealing that his initial request for help was posted in a local WhatsApp group, "Kashaka Yetu."
Dr. Rwekaza, who is committed to giving back to his community, has a history of providing aid to those in need. He explained that he donates clothes to needy households annually, a tradition passed down from his mother, Ma Paulina Andrea Ndyetabura, who instilled in him the values of compassion and charity. "We also support local worship houses, including the mosque and Roman Catholic and Lutheran churches. There are many people in need, and we must share the blessings we have been given," he said.
Kashaka Primary School currently serves 265 students, from pre-primary to seventh grade, and is staffed by five employed teachers and two volunteers. The donation of these computers is expected to significantly improve the educational environment for both students and staff as the school continues to push forward in its development efforts.