FADECO’s Clean Cooking Initiative in Karagwe Schools

AllPeopleBeHappy is proud to support FADECO’s Installation of Panda Cookers in Four Schools in Karagwe, a forward-thinking initiative that is transforming how meals are prepared in local schools while protecting both people and the planet.

In many rural Tanzanian schools, traditional cooking methods still rely on open fires and firewood, creating smoky, unsafe environments and driving deforestation and respiratory health issues. To address this issue, FADECO is introducing four institutional-grade Panda Cookers. Panda Cookers are modern, fuel-efficient stoves designed to drastically reduce firewood consumption and smoke emissions. Each cooker, with a 100-litre capacity, will be installed in Rugu, Nyakasimbi, Kajunguti, and Rwambaizi Secondary Schools, directly benefiting over 1,200 students and staff who rely on school meals daily. This project will not only improve kitchen air quality but also help preserve Karagwe’s forests and reduce operational costs for schools.

The Panda Cookers are being supplied and installed in partnership with All Green Energy Tanzania, a Belgium-based company specializing in clean cooking technologies. FADECO’s team will oversee installation and provide hands-on training for school cooks and staff to ensure proper use and maintenance. 

Once the systems are in place, FADECO will continue to monitor their impact by tracking reductions in firewood use (aiming for a 60% reduction), improvements in respiratory health, and smoother meal preparation. The cookers’ efficiency is expected to generate meaningful savings that schools can reinvest in maintenance and student welfare. FADECO is not only improving daily life in schools but also raising community awareness about clean cooking and environmental conservation. The initiative will serve as a model for sustainable energy adoption in rural communities, inspiring local leaders, parents, and nearby institutions to follow suit.

To ensure the longevity of this project, FADECO is investing in local capacity building. FADECO will train local technicians to provide ongoing technical support. Volunteers will also play a key role—assisting with staff training, documenting installations, and helping monitor progress to tell the story of this innovative transition to cleaner energy.

This project exemplifies how simple, practical technology can make a profound difference. By combining environmental stewardship, health protection, and educational empowerment, The Panda Cooker Initiative is setting a new standard for sustainable development and community health in Karagwe.

Update: December 1st, 2025

FADECO’s Installation of Panda Cookers in 4 Schools project has reached a major milestone with the successful delivery and installation of energy-efficient Panda Cookers in four secondary schools in Karagwe District, Tanzania. Students and staff at Rwambaizi, Kajunguti, Rugu, and Nyakasimbi Secondary Schools are now benefiting from a cleaner, more efficient cooking system that is transforming how school meals are prepared. The completion of this first phase marks an important step toward reducing environmental impact while improving daily life for thousands of students.

The new cookers are already producing significant environmental and economic benefits. Schools have reported a dramatic reduction in firewood consumption—approximately 90 percent less than traditional cooking methods. This decrease helps reduce pressure on local forests while lowering operational costs for schools. Monthly spending on firewood has fallen from approximately 700,000 Tanzanian shillings to just 200,000 shillings, freeing resources that can be used to support students and educational programs.

Beyond environmental and financial savings, the project is improving health and efficiency across participating schools. Reduced smoke exposure in school kitchens has helped minimize respiratory problems, eye irritation, and headaches among cooks and students. At the same time, faster cooking times ensure meals are prepared more efficiently and served on schedule. To date, the project is benefiting 2,463 students—including 1,316 girls and 1,147 boys—across the four participating schools.

The project has also attracted strong community support and promising new partnerships. FADECO worked closely with AllGreen Energies, whose technicians oversaw the installation process, and connected with international volunteers who were inspired by the initiative’s impact. These supporters have already pledged an additional cooker to help expand capacity in participating schools. Although national elections and school closures created minor scheduling challenges, the project remains on track and is generating growing interest from other schools seeking similar solutions. As momentum continues to build, FADECO hopes to expand the initiative to reach even more students while promoting environmental sustainability, healthier learning environments, and long-term cost savings throughout the region.

Final Update

FADECO’s Installation of Panda Cookers in 4 Schools project has successfully brought cleaner, safer, and more sustainable cooking technology to secondary schools in Karagwe District, Tanzania. By installing energy-efficient Panda Cookers in four school kitchens, the project has replaced traditional reliance on firewood and charcoal with a more environmentally friendly solution. Alongside the installation process, school staff received training on the operation and maintenance of the cookers, ensuring that the benefits of the project will continue well into the future.

The impact has been felt across both school operations and student wellbeing. More than 2,400 students and staff are now benefiting from improved kitchen conditions, reduced smoke exposure, and more efficient meal preparation. Schools have reported fewer respiratory problems and burn-related injuries among cooks and staff, while students are receiving hot meals more consistently and on time. These improvements contribute to healthier learning environments and support students’ overall wellbeing.

The environmental and financial benefits are equally significant. By dramatically reducing the need for firewood and charcoal, the Panda Cookers are helping to decrease deforestation and lower carbon emissions in the region. Schools are also experiencing substantial savings on fuel costs, creating opportunities to redirect resources toward educational materials, infrastructure improvements, and student support programs. These long-term savings strengthen the sustainability of the schools while demonstrating the value of investing in clean energy solutions.

The project’s success was made possible through strong community involvement and collaboration. Parents and community volunteers helped raise awareness about the health and environmental benefits of the cookers, supported training activities, and participated in follow-up evaluations. Partnerships with local government representatives, environmental organizations, and technical experts further strengthened implementation and ensured that the solution was well suited to the schools’ needs. As schools continue to experience the benefits of the Panda Cookers, the project serves as a powerful example of how practical, sustainable innovations can improve education, protect the environment, and create lasting positive change for communities.