Official Launch of Clean Cooking Energy Systems & Modern Kitchens 19th September 2025 | Yusuf Makamba & Kiluvya Secondary Schools For years, the kitchens of Yusuf Makamba and Kiluvya Secondary Schools were filled with thick smoke from burning firewood. Every morning, the cooks worked tirelessly in the heat and haze, their eyes watering and lungs straining, preparing meals for nearly three thousand students.
The smoke was not just in the air it was a daily reality that affected health, delayed meal times, and silently damaged the environment around them.
On 19th September 2025, that story changed.
In proud collaboration with Oryx Energies, the Tanzania Communities Rise Foundation officially launched Clean Cooking Energy Systems and Modern Kitchens a project that replaces firewood with cleaner, safer, and faster gas systems.
At Yusuf Makamba Secondary School, the first government school in Ubungo District to adopt this modern system, more than 1,397 students now enjoy hot meals cooked efficiently and safely. Together with Kiluvya Secondary School, a total of 2,991 students are directly benefiting from this transformation.
What once took hours now takes minutes. The kitchens are no longer filled with smoke, but with fresh air and the aroma of food prepared in a healthy environment.
Cooks who once worked in harsh, smoky conditions now smile as they work freely breathing clean air, finishing on time, and serving nutritious meals with pride.
Beyond the schools, the impact stretches even further. The reduction in firewood use is helping preserve forests, cutting down carbon emissions, and contributing to the global fight against climate change.
This is not just a project it is a promise. A promise of better health, a cleaner environment, and a future where every Tanzanian child learns in a school that values their well-being.
And this is only the beginning.
Our journey is far from over. We have already completed screening of 50 schools across Pwani, Morogoro, Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Dodoma regions, identifying those most in need of this transition to clean energy. These schools represent the next phase of our growing impact.
The Tanzania Communities Rise Foundation envisions reaching 100 schools by the end of 2026, ensuring that clean cooking energy becomes a reality across the country.
Together, we are lighting a new path one where every meal served brings hope, health, and a breath of fresh air.
The transformation witnessed at Yusuf Makamba and Kiluvya Secondary Schools serves as a powerful model for educational institutions nationwide. As more schools join this movement toward clean cooking energy, the cumulative impact on student health, environmental conservation, and operational efficiency becomes increasingly significant. The foundation's comprehensive approach includes ongoing maintenance support, training for kitchen staff, and regular monitoring to ensure the sustainability of these systems long after installation.
This initiative represents a critical step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action, good health, and quality education. By prioritizing the well-being of students and staff while protecting the environment, TCRF is creating a blueprint for sustainable school operations that can be replicated across Tanzania and beyond. The success of this program demonstrates that with the right partnerships and commitment, transformative change is not only possible but achievable, creating a healthier, cleaner future for generations to come.