JK launches fundraiser for UDSM resource centre

 

22nd January 2011

 

President Jakaya Kikwete

President Jakaya Kikwete on Thursday formally launched a fundraising campaign for the construction of the University of Dar es Salaam Student Resource Centre injecting 1.4bn/- in cash and pledges into the kitty which now has 2.3bn/-.

The University community and staff who floated the 17bn/- project to mark the 50th anniversary of the institution have already collected 1.2bn/-.

Fundraising for the centre was made in a mark of committed support to Tanzania’s oldest higher learning institution.

“This is a case for support, and the existing infrastructure at UDSM does not augur well with 21st century challenges. Students still sit on concrete made stools popularly referred to as ‘Madegree’ or a new innovative word ‘vimbweta’ whose meaning I cannot even comprehend. So when I was approached to contribute towards the noble idea and grace the launch of the project, I did not hesitate to give the nod,” said President Kikwete.

Speaking at the ceremony held at State House grounds in Dar es Salaam, the President said no meaningful development in the country could be achieved without education.

“UDSM was established two months before the then Tanganyika attained its independence, the growth and development of the University of Dar es Salaam mirrors the development of independent Tanzania,” he said, scoffing at those who claim the country have made no strides in the sector.

“There were only 13 students in 1961 and currently we speak of 17,000 students in the main campus. This is no little achievement,” he added.

President Kikwete pledged his personal contribution of 10m/- towards the noble cause while his friends supported him with a 1bn/- donation.

The fundraising was attended by among other dignitaries, Ambassadors Alfonso Leinhardt of United States of America (USA) and Bjarne Sorensen of Denmark; Governor of Bank of Tanzania (BoT), Professor Benno Ndulu, Ministers, and prominent businessmen.

In his remarks the UDSM Vice Chancellor Prof Rwekaza Mukandala said over 80 per cent of students at the main campus live off campus; some in hostel facilities located outside the campus while others stay in privately arranged rooms impacting negatively on their studies.

“Alarming challenges facing these off-campus students Mr President, and to a lesser extent their colleagues, is acute shortage of space for daytime study, relaxation and recreation,” said Prof Mukandala.

He said the centre is both a physical and a virtual location or place designed to facilitate, among other things, students’ access to information about programmes and events, to group or collective amenities and facilities.

According to VC Mukandala the centre is supposed to provide space for work, leisure, relaxation and a more reflective and productive thinking, which is a focal point for community life at the University.

Retired Prime Minister and a long time alumni of UDSM who doubles as the president of the graduates community, Joseph Sinde Warioba said the need for a students’ centre was long overdue.

“There is no places for students to study, do their assignments, access internet, eat, reflect and rest due to expanded enrolment,” said Warioba.

He called upon well-wishers and the general public to contribute bountifully towards the project for the betterment of the future generation.