The government has announced a fully funded training programme for 1,699 newly recruited teachers in Business and Vocational Education across Tanzania Mainland.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, will see the teachers pursue further studies at the Open University of Tanzania (OUT), with the government covering all tuition costs.
Speaking in Morogoro during a special orientation session for the teachers, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Prof Daniel Mushi, said the five-year programme is designed to allow the teachers to study while continuing to work at their respective schools.
“This is a golden opportunity. You will earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Education while on duty, and the government will fully fund your studies. It’s part of our long-term commitment to professionalise the teaching workforce,” said Prof Mushi.
He said the government’s goal is to ensure all new teachers meet the official standards required in public service within five years of employment. He also reminded participants that continuing professional education is no longer optional.
“We’ve institutionalised Mandatory In-Service Training (MEWAKA) for all teachers public or private to guarantee consistency and quality in the education sector,” he added.
Prof Mushi called on the teachers to leverage the training to sharpen their teaching skills, enhance classroom delivery, and contribute to competency-based learning in schools.
He urged them to exchange experiences and develop strategies that will result in positive change for students.
The recruitment of 4,633 new teachers including 4,075 in Business Education and 558 in Vocational subjects follows the government’s push to respond to growing demand created by the introduction of these subjects in the curriculum.
“The rollout of Business and Vocational subjects has significantly increased the need for qualified teachers. That’s why the government not only authorised their recruitment but also provided the necessary resources to support their training,” Prof Mushi explained.
Tanzania Institute of Education (TET) Director General, Dr Aneth Komba, said a total of Sh2.5 billion has been allocated for the programme in the current financial year. The funds will be used to facilitate training for these newly hired teachers.
Dr Komba revealed that 660 of the teachers are currently undergoing a 10-day intensive training at Morogoro Teachers’ College, with others distributed across two additional centres: 630 teachers at Tabora Teachers’ College and 409 at Korogwe Teachers’ College.
She said the training is aligned with the 2023 Revised Edition of the 2014 Education and Training Policy, and the newly improved national curricula rolled out last year.
“The government’s investment in teachers is a direct investment in the future of our youth and the nation’s education system,” Dr Komba stressed.
