Student performance in Meatu district, Simiyu region, has seen a significant boost, largely attributed to the provision of free meals in schools.
The meals are supplied by Mwiba Holdings Ltd, a tourism company investing in the area, with additional support from local parents.
This initiative has not only improved nutrition but also contributed to a drop in absenteeism among students.
Fauzia Ngatumbura, the district commissioner, highlighted the positive impact of the meal program, stating that since its inception, attendance rates have risen.
"We are extremely grateful to our sponsors, Mwiba Holdings, for their generous support in providing free meals, as well as to the parents who contribute food in other areas," she remarked.
Students, parents, and teachers across Simiyu have praised Mwiba Holdings for this initiative.
Zuhura Ntandu, head teacher at Mshikamano B primary school, reported that with the introduction of meals, academic performance has improved and absenteeism has notably declined.
"Students are now able to study without the distraction of hunger, and their focus in class has greatly improved," she noted.
At Mshikamano B primary school, 427 out of 1,022 students are currently benefiting from the meal program, and there is optimism that this number will grow.
Ntandu also encouraged other organizations and companies to follow Mwiba's lead in providing free meals to schools.
Parent Rameki Mboje, from the Machinjioni area, expressed his commitment by contributing food for his child and urged other parents to increase their involvement.
"In our school, we lack sponsors like those at Makao, but we do our best to provide food, which has resulted in a better understanding among the students," he shared.
Leah Silasi, a student at Mshikamano primary school, emphasized that the meals have helped her and her peers excel in their exams by fostering a calm and attentive learning environment.
Meanwhile, at Makao primary school, all 856 students receive daily free meals through a project funded by the Friedkin Conservation Fund, which allocates 20.5 million Tanzanian shillings each month.
Aurelia Mtui, the Community Development Projects Manager for Friedkin Tanzania, reported that they have also constructed a modern kitchen for the school at a cost of 28.1 million shillings and implemented a rainwater harvesting project costing 30.8 million shillings.