Tanzania's education reforms now to encompass all levels
One of the student attended the national education celebrations in Tanga region recently. PHOTO | EDUCATION MINISTRY
What you need to know:
- Teacher training programmes will also be revamped to prepare educators for the new curriculum.
Tanga. Tanzania’s ministry of Education is expanding its new education policy and training programme, originally launched for grade 3 in 2023, to encompass all levels of education, from early childhood development to universities.
Speaking at the national education celebrations in Tanga, minister of Education, Science, and Technology Prof Adolf Mkenda emphasised the reforms’ goal of enhancing education quality and integrating job skills.
Teacher training programmes will also be revamped to prepare educators for the new curriculum.
He mentioned that even those pursuing teacher education will be included in the changes. They will also undergo this education to prepare them for teaching under the new curriculum.
“These reforms are designed to equip our young people with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace, whether they choose to be employed or become entrepreneur. This will enable them to employ themselves or be employed,” said Prof Mkenda.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry Prof Caroline Nombo, stated that the government was set to launch a special scholarship for students studying nuclear science, as it has been identified that Tanzania has a shortage of experts in this field.
She mentioned that this new directive aims to increase the number of science professionals, particularly in nuclear science, and will also be overseen by the Nuclear Commission.
The Tanga Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Batilda Burian, said that the improvement of education in the region is ongoing, noting that there are currently 301 secondary schools and 20 vocational training centres in the region, showing continuous efforts to enhance education.
Assistant Registrar of The Aga Khan University, Agath Damas, whose institution has a booth at the exhibition, emphasised the importance for authorities and parents to encourage their children to study science subjects, as many students tend to shy away from these subjects.
Furthermore, the principal of the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute, Dr Tumaini Gurumo, highlighted the importance of continuing technical education, as this could help reduce complaints about the lack of jobs by enabling many to become self-employed.
The national celebrations for education, skills, and innovation were officially opened today by minister Prof Mkenda and will continue for five days until May 31, when they will be closed by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa. Various universities and educational institutions are participating in the event.
