Samia Suluhu to Build Science Schools for Boys

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan Pledges to Build Science Schools for Boys

Kilindi, Tanga – In a significant development on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced plans to extend the successful initiative of building girls' science secondary schools to include boys. This announcement follows the completion of 26 science schools for girls across Tanzania, built at a cost of 116 billion Tanzanian shillings.

The statement came shortly after President Samia inaugurated a new science secondary school for girls in Mabalanga, located in the Michungwani village, Kilindi District, as part of her ongoing three-day official visit to the Tanga region. The new facility is expected to enhance opportunities for young women to pursue science education in a male-dominated field.

During her address to the public, the President emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring equal educational opportunities, highlighting the success of science schools for girls and their role in empowering women. "Once we complete this phase for girls, we will turn our focus to boys. While boys benefit significantly from vocational training institutions (VETA) and practical schools, in science studies, they often outpace girls. This is why we have created these schools specifically for girls, to show them that they too have the right to excel in scientific subjects," she said.

She further expressed her satisfaction with the school's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) classroom, underscoring its importance in preparing students for a digital future.

Proposal to Honor Beatrice Shellukindo

President Samia also took the opportunity to honor Beatrice Shellukindo, a former Member of Parliament for Kilindi, who passed away in 2016. She proposed that the newly opened school be named after Shellukindo, a passionate advocate for women's rights and a vocal leader in Kilindi. “I have spoken with the Regional Commissioner, and the school has yet to receive a name. I suggest we name it after Beatrice Shellukindo, who was a true fighter for women's causes,” President Samia remarked.

Shellukindo, known for her tireless efforts on behalf of women, was also a former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member and an influential figure in the ruling party, CCM. She passed away while still in office, continuing her work for the development of her constituency.

Addressing Local Challenges

In her speech, President Samia addressed concerns raised by the students about transport difficulties and the need for a reliable power source. She assured the community that her office would handle these issues promptly, including the installation of a generator and addressing transportation challenges. Additionally, the President confirmed that water supply issues had been resolved and that a new water project would be connected soon.

She also acknowledged ongoing land disputes in Kilindi and directed the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, Deogratius Ndejembi, to work on resolving these conflicts. “We need to live without land disputes. Some of the problems are being fueled by local leaders, and I urge them to collaborate to bring peace,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.

Infrastructure and Development Initiatives

Earlier, Kilindi MP Omary Kigua highlighted the importance of the road linking Handeni-Kilindi to Kiteto, which is crucial for the economy of the region, especially in facilitating trade through the Tanga port. The government has allocated 2.7 billion Tanzanian shillings for the construction of this road, which connects four regions, making it vital for the transportation of goods to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi.

In another development, President Samia launched a new building for the Handeni District Council. She urged civil servants to focus on serving the public and not let their positions give them a sense of superiority. “You are here to serve the people, not to carry briefcases as if you are above them,” she said, causing an uproar of cheers from the citizens.

Regarding the ongoing issue of electricity shortages in the area, the President confirmed that a new power substation was under construction to increase the supply of electricity to the region.

Final Remarks

In conclusion, President Samia highlighted that the government’s development initiatives are funded by taxes collected by local councils, and she stressed the importance of tax compliance. She reminded citizens of their responsibility to contribute to national development by paying taxes, as some individuals were avoiding their duties. "We cannot tolerate tax evasion. We must all do our part to ensure progress," she said, stressing that greater revenue collection would be possible if everyone contributed willingly.