Partnership to enhance varsity students’ environmental skills

Acacia Mining has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Muhimbili University for Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) to support the university’s students and graduates in the field of Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH).

The partnership between the two bodies, which dates back to 2008, is part of Acacia’s commitment to the future of the mining industry in Tanzania as well as its on-going efforts to boost the skills of Tanzanians studying or working within the industry.

The MoU which will run for the next two years, was signed by Acacia Managing Director for Tanzania, Asa Mwaipopo, and MUHAS’ Vice Chancellor, Prof. Andrea Pembe.

This will see students benefit from short-term internships at Acacia’s mine sites in the Lake Zone.

According to a statement from the mining firm, the programme will advance the academic and career development of MUHAS students by equipping them with the right technical capabilities and afford them a better understanding of occupational health and safety and environmental health in the mining sector.

Speaking during a brief signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam today, the Acacia MD said: “Acacia’s support to MUHAS seeks to deliver training and skills development to Tanzanians and helps to support wider efforts to foster economic growth and industrialisation in Tanzania in line with the country’s Development Vision 2025 and the second phase of the Government’s Five Year Development Plan.” Detailing the MoU, Mwaipopo said the company will also engage its operational and specialist staff to participate in a curriculum review on behalf of MUHAS in a move that is designed to actively identify the most appropriate learning requirements for the current and future needs of the Tanzanian resource industry.

“This collaboration will go a long way to assist students’ skills development in the fields that are critical during a time when the country has embarked on an industrialization drive,” said MUHAS’ Vice Chancellor, Prof. Andrea Pembe.

Under the agreement, Acacia will provide financial assistance to students committed to academic excellence and those from underprivileged families as advised by MUHAS.

Acacia will also offer sponsorship to suitable candidates in the postgraduate Environmental and Occupational Health Studies both within and outside the country.

The scholarship – worth US$30,000 per year – will assist towards study, research, living and travel costs. Other areas of collaboration include support for University laboratory and scientific equipment, as well as support for teaching and learning materials and research. Since Acacia embarked on a partnership with MUHAS in 2008, the company has supported more than 200 students and invested over 250,000USD into the program.