Mwanhala FDC

Mr Mwadua welcomed our Project Officer to the College during his visit to Tabora Region in August.  He had the opportunity to show him the new and refurbished buildings and introduce him to students.

Unfortunately, due to the very poor rains, the vegetable production scheme which the College has introduced had very poor harvests.  It is hoped that the rains will be much better in the coming season to allow this venture to flourish.

During this time the college has welcomed the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of others.  There were delays on occasions but by the end of 2022 the work had been completed.

The College continued to recruit a high number of students, taking a variety of courses but the most popular continued to be sewing and cloth technology, electric installation, and motor vehicle mechanics.  

It is admirable that the College vehicle remains in operation though it is increasingly difficult to source spare parts.   At least, now there is the tar road that runs into Nzega, it does not have to negotiate the sometimes-hazardous dirt road which it had to use for many years.

The borehole and pump are now giving ample, good quality water. In return the Principal is using the College vehicle to supply Mwanhala clinic, about 1km away, with all the water they need.

The borehole pump was replaced and included 'dry running protection' (DRP) to prevent damage if the borehole water level drops too low.

This turned out to be very fortuitous because due to poor winter rains the 2017 dry season was the worst for 10 years. The water table fell dramatically, often below the submersed pump. Without DRP the pump would have been permanently damaged beyond repair.

For about two months water had to be rationed but good early rains in late October soon returned the water table to its normal level. The FDC Principal Mr Mwadua has reported that the maize and other crops are now growing very well and he is hopeful of a very good harvest.

Nick Vinall
FUM Treasurer

Mr Mwadua reports that recruitment of new students resulted in significantly increased numbers, a good sign. The most popular courses are again domestic electric installation and motor vehicle maintenance but with respectable numbers in tailoring 18, carpentry 11 and masonry/bricklaying 10.

FUM currently supports 20 students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The college now benefits from having mains electricity. This should improve the water supply but the borehole pump is currently awaiting maintenance with help promised by Nzega District Council.

The refurbishment of college staff houses has still not been completed because the Ministry has not paid the contractor. Staff are having to use the student dormitories and student accommodation adapted accordingly. During the FUM chairman's visit the kitchen area was seen to be in need of refurbishment and the sewing machines need some maintenance.

The FDC land covers 477 acres. To assist in meeting the cost of feeding the students Mr Mwadua has extended the area of crop cultivation to 12 acres. Maize, cassava, sunflowers, cowpeas were planted but poor rains will reduce the harvest volume.

The college also keeps cows, sheep and goats, looked after by the agriculture tutor
Mr Sambe. It is good to know that the also provides advice and training for local farmers.

Di Cooper
FUM FDC Co-ordinator

The longstanding water problems in Mwanhala were solved in 2012 by the successful drilling near the FDC of a deep borehole funded by FUM. Villagers also benefit, paying 2p for 25 litres of safe, clean water with the proceeds going to the maintenance fund.

The curriculum at the college is traditional, suiting its more rural location. It benefits by having a dedicated tutor for agriculture , Mr Sambe, who also looks after the college livestock.