NSSF dishes out 3m/- to help school dormitory construction

By Lusekelo Philemon

15th January 2013

Goodluck Ole Medeye

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has dished out 3m/- as part of its contribution to the construction of female students’ dormitory at Olokii Secondary School in Arumeru District.

On behalf of NSSF, Deputy Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Goodluck Ole Medeye handed over a cheque worth 3m/- to Arusha District Council chairman, Simon Saning’o, for the construction of the dormitory.

NSSF pledged to support the school with the construction of the dormitory and affected its promise over the weekend in Arusha.

“This is a very recommendable support to girls’ education in the district,” the minister said.

He described the support as a redeemer to thousands of girls who are struggling to get accommodation at schools’ premises as the majority of them come from long distances.

“Girl students are the vulnerable group, when it comes to secondary education. In this area, some students trek as far as 15 kilometres to reach the school, by the time they get to school, they are tired and cannot concentrate with studies,” said Medeye, who is also an MP for Arumeru West.

According to Medeye, the situation has been contributing to the increase of number of school drop-outs in the hilly area of Arumeru.

“There are some girl students who have resorted to get accommodation in a dilapidated building, a remnant of the colonial sisal plantation….it is too risk for these students as the building can attract dangerous reptiles like snakes because of its condition,” the minister said, calling other education partners to chip-in and support education for girls in the area, by ensuring that the teaching and learning environment improves.

“It is my hopes that all schools have accommodation facilities for girls to enable them get education in an improved environment. These facilities can keep girls from unwanted pregnancies,” added the minister.

Arusha DC chairman, Simon Ole Saning’o, credited the support saying, “This will improve education in this area.”

He further revealed that the need for dormitories in the area has been high, calling other partners to support the council in fulfilling its dream of ensuring the availability of dormitories in every school.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN