Tanzania
Shelys provides sanitation relief to Kumbukumbu Primary School
In commemoration of Mandela Day 2025, Shelys Pharmaceuticals Limited (“Shelys”), an Aspen Group Company, undertook a heartfelt community initiative at Kumbukumbu Primary School.
This government school, founded in 1978 and located in Kinondi District in Tanzania, accommodates some 1 000 pupils aged between 5 to 14 years. The school only had 20 toilets resulting in each facility being shared by nearly 50 children—a situation that raised serious concerns about hygiene and sanitation.
Understanding the urgency of the matter, 30 Aspen volunteers actively participated in this year’s Mandela Day initiative, contributing their time and energy to construct four modern bathrooms at the school – two for girls and two for boys. This marks the first time Shelys has supported this school, and it has already made a significant difference.
Construction was still taking place on 18 July – Mandela Day, but the team were able to successfully complete the project and hand over the facilities to the school management on 19 August 2025.
At the hand over, Gurcharan Matharu, Shelys Technical Manager shared the history of Mandela Day, and reminded attendees that the initiative commemorates Nelson Mandela’s service to humanity and his commitment to peace, justice, and equality. He emphasized Aspen’s dedication to giving back to the communities in which it operates, reflecting Shelys’ broader mission of community empowerment, health, and dignity for all.
Gurcharan Matharu said, “As part of Aspen SSA, Shelys Pharmaceuticals is proud to honor Mandela’s legacy by contributing to meaningful, lasting change. We believe that improving basic education infrastructure, like sanitation facilities, is a powerful way to uplift future generations.”
The Headteacher of Kumbukumbu Primary School expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the pupils, staff, and parents. Aspen SSA was thanked for their generous support, and the critical impact this contribution would have on the students’ daily lives was highlighted.
