Tanzania: First Lady in Tearful Reunion, Farewell At Mbuyuni School

First Lady Janeth Magufuli failed to hold back tears as she bid farewell to pupils and staff room colleagues at Mbuyuni Primary School in Dar es Salaam where she had taught for 17 years.

Mrs Magufuli also received her primary education at the same school. While some school pupils and teachers also burst into tears on the other side, it was all ululation and joy as they also could not hide their happiness at seeing their longtime colleague assuming the new role of assisting her husband, President John Magufuli, in his day-to-day activities.

On arrival at the school, situated between Oysterbay and Msasani Mikoroshini in the city in the morning, Mrs Magufuli was directed to the staff office. Once inside the room she headed directly to her former desk instead of the high table prepared for her.

In an exchange of views with her former colleagues, the first lady was briefed on the challenges the school still faced, including shortage of staff rooms, whereby they had to convert a classroom into an office, therefore denying pupils of learning space.

After the greetings and briefing, Mrs Magufuli went to the school's grounds for the farewell ceremony. Both teachers and pupils applauded and broke into a song in which they congratulated her on her elevation as First Lady.

Acting Kinondoni Municipal Education Officer, Ms Grace Mtesigwa, extended her appreciation for the performance of the Fifth Phase Government. She requested the government to turn its attention to teachers' welfare, including giving them better perks.

Also in a speech read by a Standard Seven pupil, Jane Andrew, the pupils said they were happy that the first lady had visited them. They told her that they did not have enough teachers as pupil intake at the school had shot up.

The Headteacher, Ms Dorothy Malecela, pointed out that the school faced shortage of classrooms, desks and toilets, staff quarters and teachers.

Kinondoni District Commissioner Paul Makonda pointed out that they were finalising discussions with commuter bus owners so that teachers can be rushed to school earlier without paying any fare.