Government finalizes plans for VETA-Industry Integration

KAGERA: THE Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda has revealed that the government is finalizing plans to link colleges under the Vocational and Education Training Agency (VETA) with local industries with the aim to increase employment opportunities to youths across the country.

Prof Mkenda made the remarks yesterday during an impromptu visit at the Kagera Regional VETA College located at Nyakato Ward, a few kilometers from Bukoba Municipal.

“The government is finalizing plans to link colleges under the Vocational and Education Training Agency (VETA) with local industries including mining. The initiative is expected to increase employment opportunities to youths across the country,” he said.

ALSO READ: State allocates 100bn/- for construction of VETA centres in 64 districts

Elaborating, he said arrangements were being made where students pursuing various courses at VETA college will be attached to the mining companies to gain the much-needed experience and later get employment.

Prof Mkenda explained that the construction of 64 VETA colleges in various district have been completed while the syllabus was to enable students to employ themselves upon graduation.

He also urged students who had attained 18 years and above to register themselves for the Local Government election scheduled for November 27, 2024.

Kagera Regional VETA College Principal, Mr Maganga Kashindye informed him that a total of 500 students were registered. Out of the number 402 students were pursuing long courses in life long skills while 98 others were on short courses.

He was optimistic that the VETA college will create high quality skills for youths and open doors to success.
The college was providing vocational skills in various fields including mechanical and electrical engineering, plumbing, carpentry, driving, construction, welding and painting,” he said.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched the VETA project on October 12th, 2022 where she hailed the government of China for the continued support and the long friendship between the two countries.
She directed the Kagera Regional Commissioner, District Commissioners and District Executive Directors (DEDs), to keep list of students who are enrolled at the VETA college.

She directed them to ensure that upon their completion, they are provided with work equipment to start a new life. This will make them sustainable and self-employment, she said.

The Head of State appealed to youths, especially those from Kagera region, to utilize the VETA college and pledged that once the studies commence, the government would allocate 1.1bn/- each month for operational costs and would also pay school fees to 20 students (ten boys and ten girls) who hail from poor families pursuing long courses.

Equally, she appealed to people where similar projects were being undertaken to ensure that they safeguard them and avoid vandalism for their own benefit and future generations.