New technology pilot seeks to transform vocational training in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. The piloting of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology is promising to address digital divide that limits some students from accessing modern learning tools in Tanzania’s vocational training.

In collaboration with Save the Children, the Finnpartnership project (2024-2026) aims to pilot AR and VR learning environments, which are tailored to address the skill gaps identified in the market.

The environments, along with associated teacher training, are expected to revolutionise vocational training in Tanzania, offering a lifeline to students eager to acquire the skills needed in the job market.

The technology pilot comes at a time when Tanzania strives to equip students at all levels, including vocational training, with essential skills to secure meaningful employment.

Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) executive director, Dr Abdallah Ngodu, emphasised the importance of integrating modern technologies like VR and XR (Extended Reality) into vocational training.

"With the rapid growth of technology and fast-paced changes in the job market, tools such as VR technology are essential for both instructors and trainees," said Dr Ngodu. "These technologies allow for virtual experiments before transitioning to real-world applications."

The government has already amended the education and training policy, introducing a new curriculum focused on building students' capacities. The Ministry of Education has also been prioritising the construction of more VETA colleges to accommodate the growing number of students.

Currently, VETA's 80 colleges have limited access to such technologies as the government is in the process to build 65 more vocational colleges, raising the total to 145 centers.

"We are ready to fully cooperate in achieving our shared goal of providing quality vocational education," said Dr Ngodu. "Our doors are always open, and we look forward to working together to build a brighter future for our country."

The new tools enable students to gain hands-on experience in a virtual setting before applying those skills in the real world.

Save the Children’s director of program operations, Mr Anatoli Rugaimukamu, highlighted the importance of investing in youth to secure Tanzania's future.

"Tanzania has a large youth population, which could either be a tremendous asset or a challenge," he noted. "It becomes an asset only if we create opportunities for these young people to grow as entrepreneurs and secure meaningful employment. But they can only achieve that if they have the right skills."

To build those skills, Mr Rugaimukamu stressed the need to embrace technology like AR and VR.

"These tools can transform the youth into a powerful force for national growth and sustainable development in Tanzania," he said.

The pilot project hinges on the collaboration of several key organisations, including 3DBear Oy, Häme University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Save the Children, HakiElimu, the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE), and several vocational and higher education institutions across Tanzania.

HakiElimu’s head of programmes, Mr Godfrey Boniventura, noted the significance of equipping teachers with the necessary tools to thrive in a digital age.

"As we embrace the digital age, it is essential that we equip our teachers with the necessary tools and skills to ensure they provide the best possible learning experiences for their students," he said.