Silaa urges schools to champion digital clubs, empower youth through STEM

Dar es Salaam. The Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr Jerry Silaa, has urged schools and colleges across the country to establish digital clubs to empower young people, particularly girls, to embrace science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

During the commemoration of International Girls in ICT Day under the theme Inclusive Digital Transformation, Mr Silaa underscored the importance of engaging girls and women in the digital space to equip them with skills to address societal challenges.

“Colleges and secondary schools should establish digital clubs that will encourage youth to empower themselves and develop solutions to issues affecting their communities,” he said.

He stressed the need for inclusive participation in the digital economy, regardless of gender or disability.

“We must intensify our efforts to ensure all young people—including girls and those living with disabilities—are actively engaged in STEM. It’s time to dismantle the outdated belief that science is only for boys,” he said.

The minister commended the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) for promoting digital education initiatives.

“TCRA has taken notable steps, including coordinating digital clubs to advance STEM education. These clubs are instrumental in building technology skills and opening digital opportunities for the youth,” he noted.

Mr Silaa also called for stronger partnerships among key ICT stakeholders to jointly support these efforts: “We should explore collaboration with institutions like TCRA and the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF).”

Highlighting Tanzania’s progress in the ICT sector, the minister noted that communication services have now reached rural areas.

“There has been tremendous progress. More Tanzanians can now access communication services at affordable rates,” he said.

“The expansion of ICT infrastructure has brought economic transformation and improved livelihoods, particularly in agriculture, education, health, and energy,” he added.

He also emphasised the need to align education with technological advancement and that curricula must continue evolving to integrate digital literacy.

“The new syllabus now prioritises Physics, Mathematics, and Computer Studies, replacing the former focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics,” he explained.

“TCRA must continue playing a central role in inspiring young people—especially girls—to pursue STEM subjects and offer innovative solutions to societal challenges. This approach promotes creativity, supports self-employment, and drives long-term economic empowerment.

TCRA Director General, Dr Jabiri Bakari, echoed the minister’s sentiments, calling for sustained investment in STEM for girls and young women.

“Empowering girls through digital literacy is a critical step in achieving national development,” said Dr Bakari.

He reiterated TCRA’s support for digital clubs at all levels of education, from primary schools to higher learning institutions, noting that these clubs are designed to introduce students, especially girls, to technology and innovation from an early age.

“In preparation for this year’s International Girls in ICT Day, we partnered with educational institutions to offer training sessions focused on technology and robotics,” said Dr Bakari.

“These sessions aimed to provide girls with the tools to develop digital solutions for real-world challenges.”

He added that digital inclusion remains a cornerstone in bridging the gender gap in ICT and creating a more inclusive digital economy.