Barrick, which operates in Tanzania in partnership with the government through Twiga Minerals, has supported residents of Kiseriani Village in Engikaret Ward, Longido District, and local leaders in completing the construction of classrooms and other school infrastructure at Shikinzi Primary School.
The project is aimed at addressing the challenge faced by pupils in the area who previously had to walk long distances to access education, exposing them to potential risks as they passed through areas inhabited by dangerous wild animals. Speaking during the inauguration of the school in the village, Barrick Tanzania Resident Manager, Dr Melkiory Ngido, said the company's commitment to investing in education had prompted it to support efforts to address the challenges facing children in the area. He said some children had been walking as far as 32 kilometres to and from school each day, making the construction of the school an important intervention. “As Barrick, we are proud to be part of this journey to advance education in Tanzania. It is our commitment to continue working with the Government to ensure that Tanzanian children have access to education in better and more conducive learning environments,” Dr Ngido said. He said Barrick would continue working with local communities to develop education infrastructure, noting that residents had demonstrated strong commitment and integrity in supporting the construction project. The company contributed more than Sh180 million towards the construction of two classrooms and a teachers' office, helping to ensure that pupils could access quality education in a safe and conducive environment. Dr Ngido commended residents of Kiseriani Village, many of whom are from the Maasai pastoralist community, together with their leaders, for their commitment to ensuring the successful completion of the school project. He urged them to continue sending their children to school, saying education was an important tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling young people to become self-reliant. Speaking at the event, Longido Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr Steven Kiruswa, thanked Barrick for supporting development projects that benefit communities across Tanzania, particularly in education, health, water and road infrastructure. He said he would continue working with residents of the constituency to implement projects aimed at improving their livelihoods. Dr Kiruswa pledged 100 bags of cement towards the construction of additional classrooms at the school. He also commended residents for contributing labour to the project, including transporting stones, sand and gravel. Barrick is also implementing various education development projects through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in communities surrounding its North Mara and Bulyanhulu mines. In partnership with the Government, the company is implementing the Barrick-Twiga Future Forward Education Programme at a cost of more than Sh70 billion. The programme supports the construction of classrooms, dormitories and toilet facilities at secondary schools across Tanzania. The programme, which has entered its second phase, aims to construct 1,090 classrooms, 1,640 sanitation and toilet facilities, and 270 dormitories at 161 schools across the country. The initiative is intended to provide Tanzanian children with better learning and teaching environments for both pupils and teachers. Since the formation of Twiga Minerals in 2020, Barrick has worked with the Government to develop Tanzania's mining sector and enhance its contribution to national productivity and sustainable development.
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