Mvita MP Mohammed Machele has urged education stakeholders in Old Town to unite in reviving the historic Serani Primary School, warning that the community cannot allow declining education standards to take root.

He said the institution, once a leading centre of excellence, must be restored to serve local children adequately.

Speaking during the official unveiling of 10 newly renovated classrooms at Serani Primary School, Machele raised concern over the mushrooming of private schools operating in cramped and unsafe residential spaces, describing them as “shanty schools run in bedroom houses.”

He called on the Ministry of Education and local authorities to immediately inspect such facilities and shut down any that fail to meet required standards.

"We cannot compromise our education standards. Education is very important to our people,” he said.

The MP also called on parents to increase enrollment in local public schools such as Serani, saying the success of the school’s revival depends on strong community participation.

"We must take our children back to our own schools. Let’s enroll more students at Serani so we can rebuild it together,” Machele urged, emphasizing that parents have a critical role in improving education standards and securing a better future for their children.