Dodoma— The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Advocate Amon Mpanju, has urged graduates of the University of Dodoma (UDOM) to uphold national policies and strategies as they embark on their careers in community development.
Speaking during the fifth graduation ceremony for the Bachelor’s Degree in Adult Education and Community Development held at St. Peter’s Swaswa Hall, Advocate Mpanju emphasized the importance of applying national frameworks such as the Community Development Policy (1996), the National Women Development Policy (2023), and the NGO Policy (2001), along with various guidelines and strategic plans.
He challenged the graduates to play an active role in implementing key government initiatives, including the National Program for Promoting and Supervising Grassroots Development (2022/23–2025/26) and the second phase of the National Plan to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Children (MTAKUWWA II - 2024/25–2028/29).
“You must become agents of change, helping to shift community mindsets towards development, encouraging citizens to engage in development activities, and ensuring that development projects are well maintained,” Advocate Mpanju said.
He further highlighted the growing demand for community development experts in the country, noting that their skills are essential in guiding communities through dialogue on cultural practices that may contribute to gender-based violence, while promoting positive traditions that benefit society.
Advocate Mpanju also underscored the government’s ongoing efforts under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership to strengthen the community development sector.
By June 2025, he said, more than 1,000 community development officers had been recruited, raising the total number of employed professionals to 3,976, against a national requirement of 5,296.
Representing the Dean of the UDOM School of Education, Enos Magangali thanked the Ministry for its continued support and called for even stronger collaboration to ensure the graduates are well-prepared to serve their communities.
A total of 521 participants attended the ceremony, including 381 graduates, 120 first- and second-year students, and 20 invited guests.