State: All districts to construct VETA colleges
DODOMA: THE government has reiterated its determination to set up vocational training colleges in every region and district countrywide with 100bn/- allocated for the implementation of the projects.
Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Omary Kipanga told the National Assembly yesterday that the fund will construct vocational colleges in 64 districts that do not have them as well as Songwe regional college.
He said so far, the government has disbursed 324.9m/- for the assignment, saying Kilombero District is among the beneficiaries of the government investment.
Mr Kipanga gave the sentiments when responding to a question posed by Kilombero Member of Parliament Mr Abubakar Asenga (CCM), who wanted to know the status of the construction of vocational training college at Ifakara Township.
“The government is using all possible avenues to fastrack construction of the VETA colleges countrywide most of them are at the finishing stages and I am satisfied with the progress recorded calling upon Tanzanians to fully utilise opportunities offered through the institution” he said.
He told the House that the constructed VETA colleges apart from the traditional courses will take into account syllabus depending on the demands of the localities to make them effective.
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Moreover, he said, they will take into account the changing technological patterns when designing the courses, so that they contribute to industrial development and self-employment.
The government, he said, is charting out the modalities to renovate infrastructures of the existing VETA and Folk Development Colleges, so that they are conducive for imparting skills for the students. “The aim is to ensure that every district in the country has its own VETA college.
VETA mission is to ensure quality vocational skills to Tanzanians, through providing and promoting vocational education and training for socio-economic development,” he said.
The deputy minister said the sixth phase government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan is keen to attain industrial revolution by promoting skilled manpower and giving youths technical courses to enable them attain self-employment.
“The government is also implementing the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) philosophy by promoting skilled manpower and giving the youth technical courses to enable them to employ themselves.
He added that the government was keen to ensure the VETA colleges are equipped with sufficient learning facilities to enable the students to learn in a conducive environment.
Recently, President Samia underscored the need for VETA graduates to be provided with work equipment to start a new life. The move will support them to sustain their life in selfemployment.
The Head of State appealed to youths to utilize the VETA college as well as people where construction to shy away from vandalism so that others benefit and future generations. She said that constriction of the multibillion project is of great importance.
Apart from training youths in lifelong skills, it will also provide employment opportunities to surrounding villagers.
