By Alfred Zacharia
Teachers across the country have been urged to use their professional expertise not only to teach but also to inspire transformational thinking and drive socio-economic development within their communities.
The call was made on Wednesday by Deputy Minister in the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Ms. Zainab Katimba, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of State, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, during the official launch of the distribution of ICT equipment to secondary schools under the Secondary Education Quality Improvement Program (SEQUIP).
“I urge all teachers to remain committed to their duties and align with ongoing education reforms, including the effective implementation of the newly improved curriculum. It is essential that we translate education policies into practical impact,” said Ms Katimba.
She highlighted the vital role of teachers in shaping students' development, especially in today’s digital era, where the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is transforming the education landscape globally.
“Society continues to look to teachers for guidance and leadership in navigating the changes brought about by technology. You are at the centre of this transformation,” she said.
Ms. Katimba further reassured teachers of the government’s commitment to improving their welfare and working conditions.
“The government, through PO-RALG, will continue working with sectoral and cross-cutting ministries to ensure teachers' rights are protected, their environments are improved, and they receive the services they deserve with dignity.”
Arusha District Commissioner Mr. Joseph Mkude, who represented the Arusha Regional Commissioner at the event, said the integration of ICT in classrooms will significantly boost students’ understanding and academic performance.
“The use of ICT will not only modernise the teaching environment but also give students access to a broader knowledge base, enabling them to compete in a digital world,” he said.
For his part, PO-RALG’s Director of Education, Dr. Selemani Shindika, said the government has allocated TSh12 billion to support the procurement and distribution of ICT equipment to 422 secondary schools across the country.
“The goal is to strengthen the teaching and learning process through modern, technology-driven methods that align with global advancements in science and technology,” Dr. Shindika noted.
The SEQUIP initiative is part of broader government efforts to enhance the quality of secondary education and ensure learners across Tanzania have equitable access to modern learning tools and opportunities.
