Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, praised the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) for its contribution to the country’s social services, particularly in education and healthcare. The church has established numerous schools and hospitals nationwide, which have improved the livelihoods of citizens.
Education
In the education sector, ELCT operates 469 nursery schools, ten special education institutions, 61 secondary schools, 35 vocational colleges, and two universities. The premier applauded the church for its exceptional efforts in this sector, which has helped provide access to quality education to more Tanzanians.
Healthcare
In the healthcare sector, the ELCT runs one referral hospital, 23 hospitals, 140 health centers, 11 orphanages, and one center for the elderly. The church’s contribution to the provision of health services is estimated at 15% of the entire country’s health services provision. Mr. Majaliwa commended the church for its efforts to support the government’s initiatives to provide quality healthcare services to the people.
Fundraising
The ELCT Diocese of Lake Victoria recently organized a fundraising event for the construction of a new primary school worth 2.3bn/-, which was graced by the Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Dr. Angelina Mabula. The new school will strengthen the students’ spiritual growth for present and future national development, Dr. Mabula said.
The ELCT Diocese of Lake Victoria Bishop, Andrew Gulle, thanked the government for supporting the church’s initiatives and allowing it to undertake different significant projects in line with the target of improving the living standards of all people.
The fundraising event collected nearly 120m/-, which will be used for the construction of a new primary day and boarding school named Imani Cathedral School in Ilemela District, Mwanza Region. Dr. Mabula urged parents to ensure that all children, including girls, complete their studies.
Overall, the ELCT’s contribution to the country’s social services is significant. The government and other stakeholders continue to support such initiatives to provide Tanzanians with access to quality education and healthcare services.
