Ada-Tadea proposes bold plan to transform Tanzania’s education

Dar es Salaam. Education is often described as the backbone of national development. It is through education that societies gain the tools to tackle economic and social challenges while shaping opportunities for future generations.

Yet, for decades, Tanzania’s education system has faced persistent hurdles—underpaid teachers, poor housing, limited teaching materials, and weak oversight—all of which have undermined both morale and performance in classrooms.

Seeking to chart a new path, opposition party Ada-Tadea has placed education at the centre of its 2025–2030 election manifesto, unveiling an ambitious reform agenda designed to uplift teachers, modernise learning, and nurture youth talent

The proposed reforms focus on improving teachers’ welfare, strengthening school inspections, involving parents in school development, and expanding skills-based education for young people.

According to the manifesto, Ada-Tadea intends to shift education from being theory-oriented to a system that nurtures creativity, sports, arts and self-reliance skills among youth.

The aim is to build an innovative and inclusive society that uses education as a catalyst for national development. Teachers’ Welfare- Ada-Tadea acknowledges that without valuing teachers, no meaningful education reform can succeed.

The manifesto therefore emphasizes reviewing teacher recruitment and registration standards to ensure a fair and merit-based employment system.

One of the major incentives promised is a special allowance for teachers posted in challenging areas.

Those working in rural or difficult environments will receive accommodation allowances, while the government will accelerate the construction of teachers’ housing.

“Teachers assigned to hardship areas will receive special allowances, including housing allowances. The government will also ensure that teachers’ houses are built promptly in remote and difficult-to-reach areas,” the manifesto states.

This move aims to address housing shortages and provide teachers with conducive living and teaching environments.

Ms Grace Mnyang’anyi, a secondary school teacher in Morogoro, said if the party fulfills its pledge to build houses and provide accommodation allowances, it would greatly motivate teachers.

“Lack of teachers’ housing is a big problem, especially in villages. Sometimes a teacher is forced to live far from the school, wasting valuable time commuting. If Ada-Tadea comes to power, I hope it won’t just be empty promises but real implementation,” she said.

Strengthening school inspections

On inspections, the manifesto points out that the current system has been weak for a long time, often focusing only on paperwork rather than the actual conditions of teachers and students. Ada-Tadea promises to revamp the inspection framework to make it more effective.

Inspections will not only cover academic performance but also the welfare of teachers, school environments, and student accountability.

The goal is to identify challenges early and resolve them before they become major obstacles. Parental Involvement The manifesto also stresses that for education to be impactful, parents cannot be left out.

Parents will be directly involved in school development committees and sub-committees tasked with improving the learning environment. Through this participation, parents will contribute their expertise to enhance schools while monitoring their children’s progress more closely.

This, the party argues, will help raise discipline levels, learning motivation, and social cooperation. Mr Godfrey Mkwizu, a primary school teacher in Shinyanga, said the lack of teaching materials is one of the biggest challenges.

“Sometimes we are forced to teach without enough learning tools, which makes it hard for students to grasp lessons in practice, leading to poor results,” he said.

He added that the proposed reforms to strengthen inspections and involve parents could help solve these issues.

“If parents are part of the solution, schools can be equipped better. Teachers will teach with peace of mind and students will benefit,” said Mr Mkwizu.

Skills-based education for youth

Another central reform is a shift away from rote, theory-heavy instruction towards practical, skills-based learning.

Ada-Tadea says it will prioritise research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and product design, preparing young people to thrive in the modern economy.

“The party will reform and improve the education system from theory to practice, ensuring skills-based learning is prioritized. More youth will be trained in research, innovation, production, and marketing of goods,” the manifesto states.

Funds will be allocated specifically to support this agenda, targeting projects that stimulate youth and community income generation and enhance employment opportunities for Tanzanian youth.

Mr Paulo Mhando, a primary school teacher in Mtwara, welcomed the reforms.

“If the government, through Ada-Tadea, reduces our burden by hiring more teachers and strengthening practical education, we will raise a generation that is more knowledgeable and self-reliant. This is the education Tanzania needs today,” he said.

Nurturing talents

Tanzania’s education system has long focused on traditional academic subjects, with limited attention to talents such as sports, music, arts, and drama. Ada-Tadea wants to change this by formally integrating talent development into the curriculum.

Specialist teachers in various fields will be trained and proper resources provided so that talented students can be nurtured.

This, the manifesto argues, will bring about social transformation, enabling Tanzania to produce athletes, artists, and innovators who can be recognised both nationally and internationally.