"Tanzania's Plan to Boost Teachers’ ICT Skills"

Government Pledges Commitment to Enhancing Teachers' ICT Skills

Zanzibar: On February 27, 2025, Second Vice President Mr. Hemed Suleiman Abdullah reiterated the commitment of both the Zanzibar and Tanzanian mainland governments to enhancing teachers’ skills through Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This initiative aims to align the education system with the demands of the 21st century.

Mr. Abdullah’s remarks came during the opening ceremony of the ‘Tanzania 2025 Research Conference’ at the State University of Zanzibar's Tourism Institute, where he represented President Hussein Mwinyi of Zanzibar.

The Vice President emphasized the governments’ joint efforts to bolster teachers’ professional development, particularly through ICT-focused training programs. These initiatives are designed to equip educators with modern teaching methods, enhancing efficiency in classrooms and meeting evolving educational needs.

Addressing STEM Teacher Shortages

Highlighting the critical shortage of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educators, Mr. Abdullah called for more in-depth research into how this gap negatively impacts student performance. He urged educational institutions and researchers to explore innovative solutions that could help alleviate the situation and improve academic outcomes.

Modernizing Teaching and Curriculum

The Vice President also underscored the importance of modernizing teaching approaches and curricula to meet contemporary educational demands. He stressed the integration of climate change education, considering it a pressing global issue, into the learning system. Furthermore, Mr. Abdullah emphasized the need for robust school infrastructures and curricula focused on environmental sustainability, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills necessary to tackle climate-related challenges.

Collaboration for Employment Opportunities

Mr. Abdullah called for greater collaboration between the education sector, industries, and vocational training institutions to create more job opportunities for youth. He urged educational institutions to focus on imparting practical skills that contribute directly to economic growth and social development.

Vocational Education and Entrepreneurship in Zanzibar

Ms. Lela Mohamed Mussa, Zanzibar’s Minister for Education and Vocational Training, shared that the conference would center on vocational education. In Zanzibar, vocational training has been integrated into the mainstream education system, providing youth with the entrepreneurial skills needed to create their own job opportunities instead of relying solely on government employment.

Building Higher Education and Strengthening Research

SUZA Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohamed Makame Haji, emphasized the conference’s objective of exploring strategies to improve higher education. The focus would be on equipping teachers with advanced skills and interactive teaching methodologies. Professor Haji explained that the event offers a vital platform for education stakeholders to discuss the sector’s challenges and share solutions.

He also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between SUZA and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), which strengthens research initiatives, promotes ICT integration, and ensures research findings have a broader impact across sectors.

Reaffirming the Role of Teachers in Educational Success

Professor Lyabwene Mtahabwa, Commissioner for Education, reiterated that teachers are central to educational success. He called for efforts to improve teachers’ welfare, encourage their professional development, and promote innovative teaching methods to improve overall learning outcomes.

A Pivotal Conference for Tanzania’s Education Future

The ‘Tanzania 2025 Research Conference’ serves as an essential platform for shaping the future of the nation’s education system. By focusing on ICT integration, vocational training, climate education, and industry collaboration, the conference seeks to create a dynamic, forward-thinking education system that benefits all Tanzanians.