Oryx Gas Tanzania, in partnership with the Tanzania Communities Rise Foundation (TCRF), has launched a new initiative to promote clean cooking solutions in schools, marking a significant step toward reducing reliance on charcoal and firewood.
The campaign was officially launched at Yusuf Makamba Secondary School in Dar es Salaam, where Oryx Gas Head of Marketing and Sales, together with TCRF founder and director Sarah Ngoma, demonstrated the use of clean energy stoves by cooking a meal for students.
The project aims to encourage schools—especially those with more than 100 students—to transition from traditional cooking methods to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), reducing indoor air pollution, deforestation, and health risks associated with biomass fuel use.
“We are committed to empowering communities with sustainable energy solutions. By targeting schools, we not only reduce environmental damage but also protect the health of students and staff,” said Sarah Ngoma.
The initiative aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s national clean energy agenda, which seeks to ensure that at least 80% of Tanzanian households and institutions adopt clean cooking solutions by 2033.
According to data from the World Health Organization, more than 33,000 deaths occur annually in Tanzania due to illnesses linked to indoor air pollution from cooking with firewood and charcoal. Advocates believe this school-focused campaign could dramatically cut those numbers while reducing pressure on the country’s forests.
Oryx Gas will supply affordable LPG cylinders and cooking appliances to participating schools, while TCRF will handle community education and training for kitchen staff to ensure safe usage.
Education stakeholders and environmental groups have welcomed the campaign, saying it will contribute to a healthier learning environment and set a positive example for surrounding communities.
This initiative is expected to expand to other regions of Tanzania, with a goal of reaching over 500 schools in the next two years.
