Chato schools struggle with 26,000 desk deficit
Chato District Administrative Secretary, Thomas Dime (second left), receives a desk donation from NMB Lake Zone Manager, Faraja Ng'ingo (second right). NMB has donated 150 desks to four schools in Chato as part of the bank’s community support initiative. Chato's Member of Parliament, Merdad Kalemani (left) attends the event. PHOTO | REHEMA MATOWO
What you need to know:
- The district with 156,000 primary school pupils, is grappling with a shortage of 26,000 desks, leading to overcrowded classrooms and hindering students' learning.
Geita. Chato District Commissioner (DC), Mr Louis Bura has called on the council to allocate funds from its internal revenue to purchase desks and address the shortage.
The district with 156,000 primary school pupils, is grappling with a shortage of 26,000 desks, leading to overcrowded classrooms and hindering students' learning.
Additionally, secondary schools in the district need 6,000 desks and chairs.
At a ceremony to hand over educational and health supplies, including 150 desks donated by NMB Bank, the DC emphasised the importance of collaboration between the district council and parents to create a conducive learning environment.
District Administrative Secretary (DAS) Thomas Dime, representing the DC, acknowledged that the donation would help alleviate some of the demand but stressed the need for school committees and development partners to work alongside the council to resolve the issue.
“Despite the donation, we still face a shortage of over 26,000 desks. We are addressing this through internal revenue. School committees and parents must contribute to overcoming this challenge,” said Mr Dime.
NMB Bank’s Lake Zone Manager, Faraja Ng'ingo, explained that the bank had addressed Chato's requests for educational and health supplies by donating a share of their profits.
The bank’s contribution included 150 desks, chairs, tables, and three computers for Itale, Rubambagwe, Rumasi, and Mkuyuni schools.
They also donated 10 beds, 10 wheelchairs, and 10 blood pressure machines for Chato Zonal Referral Hospital worth Sh29.5 million.
“We have supported the community for several years, particularly in education and health. When disasters occur, we contribute a portion of our profits as part of our corporate social responsibility,” said Ng'ingo.
Mkuyuni Primary School pupils in Chato District, Geita Region, sit at desks donated by NMB Bank on Thursday, February 27, 2025. PHOTO | REHEMA MATOWO
Mkuyuni Primary School headteacher Verena Nicolous noted the school, with 1,683 pupils, is short of 164 desks, saying the donation would significantly improve the learning environment.
Some Mkuyuni pupils reported having to sit on the floor due to the desk shortage, which impedes their focus.
Grade Seven pupil Salum Ramadhan added that classroom dust also dirties students and stains their notebooks, urging further support to resolve the issue.
The acting director of Chato Zonal Referral Hospital, Dr Osward Lyapa, said the donated medical supplies would improve care, particularly in heart clinics.
He also mentioned that recent funds would aid in completing the construction of a new ward, allowing the hospital to accommodate more patients comfortably.
“With this assistance, we will no longer have patients lying on the floor or sharing beds. We are extremely grateful for this support,” said Dr Lyapa.
