Mara — TARIME District Commissioner (DC), Mr John Henjewele handed over various donations to several disadvantaged primary and secondary school students hailing from different parts of the district who have excelled in their studies.

The beneficiaries included two pupils with albinism, Samweli Chacha from Sabasaba Primary School and Happy Agostino from neighbouring Rebu Primary School. "Work hard in schools and have a good discipline. You are lucky to get this support," Mr Henjewele told the pupils and students at a brief handing over function held at Goldland Hotel in Tarime town.

The DC hailed Help Rural Orphanage Association (HROA), a local NGO based in Tarime for the donations to vulnerable and orphaned school children in the area. The donations included full school uniforms and school fees for secondary school students.

"I thank this organization (HROA) for choosing the district to support needy students and pupils. This is indeed encouraging," he said, pledging full cooperation with the organization. "If we get other stakeholders we will also involve you (HROA).

You have made the right choice to focus on", Mr Henjewele who was accompanied by Tarime District Administrative Secretary (DAS), Mr Ernest Kabohora said. The DAS also praised the organization's continued efforts to support children living in difficult conditions in the area.

"I am impressed with HROA's work and this is a good example to be emulated by other NGOs," Mr Kabohora said. The NGO has received funding from several partners to support children in areas of education. They include Ms Nancy Fisher, a retired professor from the United States of America, North Mara Gold Mine and Singita Grumeti Fund, according to its senior officials.

The children welcomed the support and pledged to work hard in their studies. "I will use this support well and will study hard. I am happy and pray for this organization to grow fast and reach many needy students and pupils," said Slinaus Josias, a Form Two student at Mogabiri secondary school, shortly after receiving the assistance.

Last year the NGO brought together 40 students at the same hotel for a Happy New Year luncheon and provided them with similar support. HROA is a registered not-for-profit organization that strives to address social problems facing orphans and children living in difficult conditions with its areas of focus being rural areas.