THE ROAD TO ELECTIONS: Education reforms in top gear

RUKWA: THE government’s reforms in the education sector are progressively taking shape, as teachers’ colleges are being restructured to meet the demands of the new curriculum.

During the second day of her working visit to Rukwa Region, President Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated the Sumbawanga Teachers’ College, reinforcing the government’s dedication to supporting teachers nationwide.

“We have revamped the education system. While challenges are inevitable during this transition, rest assured the government stands with you. Study diligently, graduate and teach other teachers and students. Your work is invaluable,” President Samia said.

The president urged the maintenance of the college, now featuring new buildings, to continue producing competent during this transition, rest assured the government stands with you. Study diligently, graduate and teach other teachers and students. Your work is invaluable,” President Samia said.

The president urged the maintenance of the college, now featuring new buildings, to continue producing competent teachers. Previously, the college utilised buildings provided by the Roman Catholic Church, for which President Samia expressed gratitude.

President Samia is on a three-day visit to Rukwa Region, inspecting and inaugurating various development projects.

Minister for Education, Professor Adolf Mkenda, highlighted that under President Samia’s leadership, four new teachers’ colleges have been established, including those in Ngorongoro, Kabanga, Mhonda and Sumbawanga.

“The government now operates 35 teachers’ colleges following recent education reforms. These colleges are being specialised; for example, Marangu Teachers’ College now focuses on languages like Arabic, French and Chinese.Butimba College specializes in sports and Kleruu offers technical training,” Prof Mkenda explained.

The new policy has eliminated certificate-level training for teachers, allowing current certificate holders to advance to diploma levels before phasing out certificates entirely.

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According to the CCM Election Manifesto 2020-2025, the party is committed to expanding teacher education opportunities, particularly for science, language, and technical subjects, to produce enough qualified teachers.

The manifesto also pledged to enhance primary school teacher quality by introducing a Diploma in Primary Education and strengthening science and technical teacher training.

President Samia also laid the foundation stone for the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) college in Kashai Street, Sumbawanga Municipality, urging local youth to take advantage of this new institution.

Prof Mkenda noted that this project fulfils President Samia’s directive for each region to have a VETA college. Currently, 64 additional VETA colleges are under construction.

VETA Chief Executive Anthony Kasore said that the Sumbawanga VETA college, constructed at a cost of 6.8bn/-, includes 24 buildings, eight workshops, three staff houses and dormitories for 248 students.

Courses in electrical and creative design, tailoring, and technology have already commenced, with plans to offer additional courses in agriculture and food processing.

President Samia also laid the foundation stone for the rehabilitation and upgrading of Sumbawanga Airport.

Minister for Works, Innocent Bashungwa, explained that the airport’s construction is part of a broader project funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB), which includes airports in Shinyanga, Tabora, and Kigoma.

The airport’s runway will be extended to accommodate medium-sized aircraft, enhancing its capacity and operational hours.

Additionally, President Samia inaugurated modern silos and warehouses for grain storage in Kanondo Village, Sumbawanga Municipality.

Highlighting the government’s goal to boost the agricultural sector, she said there has been an increase in the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget to support farmers in producing and exporting more crops.

The National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) has been equipped with modern silos to ensure crop quality and fair purchasing processes. Farmers were urged to prevent food smuggling and adhere to regulations to support government efforts in developing the agricultural sector.

Minister of Agriculture Hussein Bashe stated that the project, valued at 14bn/- will increase storage capacity to nearly 60,000 tonnes and support maize production, purchase and processing in the region.

Plans for expansion and refurbishment are already underway to further enhance the region’s agricultural infrastructure.