Summary
The true value of the library would not be measured by its impressive structure alone, but by how effectively it nurtures a lifelong reading culture among children.
By Our Correspondent / Monduli
A state-of-the-art library has been inaugurated at Lendikinya Primary School in Monduli District, opening a new chapter in education for 737 pupils from the Maasai pastoralist community.
The facility, built by the From Hearts 2 Hands Foundation under the leadership of its founder, Dr Briana Greene, is expected to transform teaching and learning by fostering a strong reading culture and expanding access to quality educational resources.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Monduli District Commissioner Ms Gloriana Kimath praised the foundation for delivering what she described as one of the most modern school libraries in the Arusha Region.
She said the project demonstrated the power of partnerships between the government and non-governmental organisations in improving access to quality education and other essential social services.
Monduli District Commissioner Gloriana Kimath cuts a ribbon to launch the new library built by From Hearts 2 Hands through its founder Dr Briana Greene (standing to the DC’s right). The library will provide Lendikinya Primary School pupils in Monduli District’s Maasai pastoralist community with opportunities to learn, develop a culture of reading, expand their knowledge, and improve academic performance.
“I wish district commissioners from across the country could visit this library and learn from it. It is a model project that has added immense value to education in Monduli District,” Ms Kimath said.
She stressed that the true value of the library would not be measured by its impressive structure alone, but by how effectively it nurtures a lifelong reading culture among children.
The library is stocked with books covering history, science, languages, arts and other educational subjects, alongside learning materials designed to stimulate creativity, critical thinking and innovation.
Ms Kimath also urged parents to complement teachers’ efforts by encouraging children to continue reading after school.
She insisted that parents play a crucial role in shaping a reading culture, and thar children should continue reading at home so that learning becomes part of their daily lives.
The District Commissioner further called on Maasai families to ensure girls receive equal educational opportunities, saying education remains the most powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty and inequality.
“I was once a young girl, and today I am the first female District Commissioner of Monduli. Had my parents not invested in my education, I would not be standing here today. Girls are just as capable as boys. We must end practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage that rob them of their future,” she said.
She also appealed to village leaders and residents to safeguard the facility, describing it as a community asset that would serve generations to come.
Ms Kimath encouraged continued investment in education, noting that Monduli District has consistently excelled academically.
“Education is the key to a better future. Monduli ranked first in Arusha Region in the Form Four national examinations, while our Form Six candidates recorded no Division Four or Division Zero results. Through continued cooperation between the government, parents and development partners, we can achieve even greater success,” she added.
Dr Greene said investing in education offers the greatest opportunity to transform the lives of children living in pastoralist communities.
She explained that her involvement with Lendikinya Primary School began after witnessing the school’s severe water challenges, prompting her organisation to construct a water storage system before later expanding support through the construction of the library.
“Education is the foundation of every successful community. We want children in Lendikinya to enjoy the same opportunities as children anywhere else in the world. That is why we built this library and equipped it with books and learning materials that will inspire curiosity and lifelong learning,” she said.
Dr Greene recalled that her first visit to the school highlighted the urgent need for reliable water, leading to the construction of a water tank before attention shifted to improving access to books.
“After solving the water challenge, I realised the children also needed a place where they could read, discover new ideas and dream bigger. I am grateful to the Government of Tanzania for working with us to make this vision a reality,” she said.
She expressed confidence that improved access to knowledge would empower Maasai children to preserve their rich cultural heritage while embracing new opportunities for personal and community development.
The interior view of the library built by From Hearts 2 Hands.
“It is a privilege to be part of this journey. I hope every child who enters this library will discover knowledge that changes their future,” she added.
Dr Greene also encouraged parents to keep all children, especially girls, in school, describing education as the surest pathway to self-reliance and sustainable development.
“This library belongs to you. Take care of it, use it well and let it help you achieve your dreams,” she told the pupils.
Representing parents, Sepeko Ward Councillor Joseph Kimaay thanked the foundation for what he described as a landmark investment in the district’s education sector.
“There is no other library of this standard in our ward or even the district. This partnership has given our children an incredible opportunity, and we believe it will significantly improve educational outcomes,” he said.
Presenting the school’s report, Head Teacher Solomon Godfrey described the library as the first of its kind in Monduli District and a major milestone for Lendikinya Primary School, which was established in 1977.
He said the school currently enrols 737 pupils—331 boys and 406 girls—supported by eight teachers.
The facility is equipped with modern furniture, an extensive collection of books, computers, sports equipment, musical instruments, art supplies and dedicated spaces for practical learning.
According to Mr Godfrey, the library is expected to strengthen reading habits among pupils, teachers and the surrounding community, improve academic performance, encourage creativity and enhance the overall learning environment.
He expressed optimism that the school would improve on its 86.02 per cent pass rate recorded in 2025.
Beyond the library, the From Hearts 2 Hands Foundation has implemented several community development projects in Lendikinya, including the construction of a 100,000-litre water storage tank, rainwater harvesting systems and the distribution of 700 reusable water bottles to pupils.
Speaking on behalf of the learners, Standard Six pupil Riziki Papaking thanked the foundation and its partners for investing in the future of children in the village.
“This library will help us study harder, gain more knowledge, improve our academic performance and achieve our dreams. We are deeply grateful for this wonderful gift,” Riziki said.
Education stakeholders believe the new library will become a catalyst for academic excellence, nurturing a new generation of confident readers and learners while creating greater educational opportunities for children from Monduli’s pastoralist communities.
