INAUGURATION OF THE EXTENSION OF ULYANKULU SECONDARY SCHOOL

From Left: Ms. Chansa Kapaya (Acting Representative of UNHCR) and H.E. Mr. Masaki Okada (Ambassador of Japan) and Hon. Fatma A. Mwassa (Tabora Regional Commissioner).

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The Regional Commissioner Honourable Ms. Fatma A. Mwassa inaugurated the extension of Ulyankulu Secondary School on Thursday 2nd of August, 2012 in Urambo District, Tabora Region. 

The extension project was funded by the Japanese Government through UNHCR with the aim of providing a more conducive learning environment for former Burundian refugees, now commonly referred to as Newly Naturalised Tanzanians (NNTs) and local Tanzanian students in the District.

Japanese assistance to Mpanda and Ulyankulu Districts including the extension of the Ulyankulu Secondary School was funded as a part of the country’s financial support to the UNHCR operations in Northwest Tanzania, contributing a total of 6 million USD, equivalent to around 9 billion Tanzanian Shillings, since the year 2008. 

The extension includes nine classrooms, two pit latrine blocks and three water reserve tanks and will bring relief to the now congested facility.

Ulyankulu Secondary School is the only one in the settlement currently enrolling new students, while the two other secondary schools have stopped, pending a final decision from the Government on the modalities of the NNTs Local Integration. Nearly 1000 students, both NNTs and Tanzanians, will now be able to enjoy the new fully furnished classrooms.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Regional Commissioner of Tabora Region Hon. Fatma A. Mwassa expressed her gratitude to the Government of Japan and UNHCR for their commitment towards promoting the development of social services in Tabora Region. She also encouraged the NNTs to continue to be patient as the Government’s view is for them to live happily and in harmony, and she anticipates the decision will be issued soon.

Representing the students of Ulyankulu Secondary School, Alex G., a form 3 student, delivered his vote of thanks, stressing that the support to the school has given the students a conducive environment for studying. He promised that they will make use of this opportunity to study hard and strive for excellence and make sure that the buildings and furniture are going to last as anticipated.

The UNHCR Acting Representative Ms. Chansa Kapaya in her remarks reminded the context of this inauguration.

 She explained that subsequent to the Government of Tanzania’s announcement in 2010 of its intention to provide citizenship to more than 162,000 Burundian refugees, donor countries, including the Government of Japan committed to providing financial support for the local integration process through UNHCR in Tabora and now Katavi region in order to pave the way and facilitate the local integration process. 

She further stated that providing access to education in a safe and adequate environment is a priority for UNHCR, and that counting on the ongoing support of donors in this regards is of utter importance.

On his side, the Japanese Ambassador to Tanzania H.E. Mr. Masaki Okada acknowledged the exceptional generosity of the Government of Tanzania to have granted naturalization to those former Burundian refugees, as well as the commitment by the local government and people of Tabora, who have been accommodating and supporting the Burundian population for 40 years. 

Moreover, touching upon the uncertain situation that the NNTs are currently facing with their reintegration plan, he expressed his wish that by tightened cooperation between the Government of Tanzania and UNHCR, and more importantly through a thorough dialogue with the NNTs, the uncertainty of their future is removed as soon as possible.

The event which took place at the Ulyankulu Secondary School was also attended by other government officials from Urambo and Kaliua Districts.