Education law set for review

DODOMA: THE Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on Friday convened a meeting attracting education stakeholders to review the Education Law, Chapter 353, which has been in existence for about 43 years, purposely to improve the provision of education in the country.

During the meeting in Dodoma, Head of the Legal Unit at the Ministry, Mr Innocent Mgeta acknowledged that there are some challenges in the education as it has been raised by stakeholders in the education sector and that the government is working hard to resolve them.

“We expect these insights to help us implement the directives from the 2014 Education and Training Policy amendments, as revised in 2023,” said Mr Mgeta.

He noted that the education policy comprises approximately 19 directives, some of which can be implemented directly, while others require legal interpretation to establish appropriate procedures.

“Issues related to effective school supervision, education regulation and leadership must be addressed by gathering views from stakeholders, allowing them to express what they want to be included in the law to enhance it further,” he added.

The response from stakeholders, including Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), religious groups, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the Tanzania Teachers Union (TTU) and school owners, has been significant, demonstrating their willingness to collaborate with the government to improve this law.

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Dodoma Teachers’ Union Regional Secretary Ms Luya Ngonyani insisted on the need for reforms in the education sector.

“To ensure the education offered meets the sector’s needs, it would be beneficial to establish a new Education Act No. 353 that aligns with the goals and aspirations of the Tanzanian society,” she stated.

Ms Ngonyani further expressed that teachers have had multiple employers, but they desire the Education Commission to be the sole authority responsible for teacher employment and salaries, ensuring a unified employment structure.

The government is currently in various stages of implementing the 2014 Education and Training Policy, as revised in 2023, following its approval by the Authority on October 20, 2023.

A key step in this process is to review the law to ensure it aligns with the policy and the current educational environment.