Tanzanian pushes for creative teaching to address vocational skills gap

Arusha. The government has called on vocational colleges to enhance creativity in teaching, particularly in practical training, to produce skilled professionals capable of handling major strategic projects such as mining, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, and airports.

These projects have often relied on foreign expertise due to the lack of locally trained professionals.

Speaking at the 16th graduation ceremony of Arusha Technical College (ATC), the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Education, Science and Technology Prof Daniel Mushi, said there was a need for vocational colleges to produce reliable professionals who can contribute to national development.

"The government is investing heavily in the infrastructure of these colleges and large strategic projects. Unfortunately, much of this investment benefits foreign professionals, instead of boosting local talent," Prof Mushi said.

"Vocational colleges must ensure they are capable of producing experts that can handle these projects, with foreign expertise needed only for experience-sharing."

At the ceremony, 1,139 graduates were awarded certificates, diplomas, and degrees in various technical fields.

Prof Mushi urged the graduands to use their skills creatively and professionally to contribute to solving community challenges.

"We expect you to create employment and drive economic growth through the skills you have acquired," he said.

ATC Principal Dr Mussa Chacha, highlighted the college’s efforts to equip students with practical skills.

He noted that ATC had opened a new branch in Kikuletwa village to train youth from East Africa in Renewable Energy. 

The college is also building a hospital on its premises, which will begin offering services in March 2025.

Dr Chacha also shared that ATC students had developed pre-paid water meters to address customer complaints about inflated bills at the Arusha Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (AUWSA).

The meters, which have been approved for use, will be distributed next year.

Chairman of the ATC Board, Dr Noel Mbonde, emphasized the importance of practical training in preparing students for self-employment and contributing to sectors such as construction, infrastructure, and water management.