The Institute of Social Work (ISW) has introduced four new academic programs for the 2025/2026 academic year as part of efforts to address Tanzania’s growing social and economic challenges.
The programs focus on conflict management and alternative dispute resolution, early childhood care and development, marketing and entrepreneurship, and counseling psychology.
Officials at ISW say the decision to diversify its curriculum responds to an urgent need for skilled professionals capable of offering practical solutions to issues affecting households and communities.
The approach signals a shift from traditional academic models to a skills-driven system that directly targets areas with long-standing gaps in service delivery.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Assistant Lecturer Asteria Mlambo said one of the new courses—Conflict Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution—is designed to ease the burden on the judiciary and help restore harmony in communities.
“Currently, cases including land and marriage disputes go through lengthy court processes, which are costly and time-consuming,” she said. “Alternative dispute resolution helps restore relationships through mediation while saving time and costs.”
According to Mlambo, the current legal approach often strains relationships because one party always emerges as the loser, creating hostility that can persist for years.
Mediation, on the other hand, gives both sides an opportunity to reach a settlement that preserves social ties.
“The advantage of using alternative dispute resolution is that it involves dialogue and confidentiality, which minimizes hostility,” she added. “Even when relationships do not fully recover, the parties can continue communicating without barriers.”
The program will be offered from certificate to degree level, and graduates are expected to work in sectors such as land administration, family counseling, and workplace conflict resolution.
The move complements recent government initiatives, including the establishment of the Tanzania Institute of Arbitration, which certifies mediators and arbitrators.
Another new program targets early childhood care and development, focusing on children under three years of age.
Experts say the first 36 months are critical for cognitive and emotional growth, but many caregivers lack knowledge on how to detect developmental delays.
“This program helps caregivers detect developmental challenges early and intervene before problems escalate,” said Mlambo. “Graduates can work in early learning centers, primary schools, and child health clinics.”
She explained that the course will equip professionals with knowledge to monitor children’s physical, emotional, and mental development, ensuring that any signs of delayed growth are addressed promptly.
“Often, parents realize there is a problem when it is too late,” she said. “With skilled professionals, these issues can be managed before they affect a child’s future potential.”
The third program—Marketing and Entrepreneurship Development—addresses another pressing issue: economic empowerment.
In a society where many engage in small businesses, few possess the knowledge to manage finances, analyze markets, or build customer loyalty.
“Many people engage in business without clear strategies for sustainability or market expansion,” said Mlambo, adding that “This program gives them the tools to become productive entrepreneurs. People need to understand that entrepreneurship is not about struggling to survive; it requires proper planning and innovation.”
The course will provide skills in financial management, branding, customer engagement, and access to markets.
ISW officials say these skills are essential for creating sustainable businesses that contribute to Tanzania’s economic growth and job creation agenda.
The fourth program—Counseling Psychology—responds to a growing mental health crisis in Tanzania.
Social and behavioral issues such as substance abuse, depression, and stress are on the rise, yet the number of qualified professionals remains limited.
Assistant Lecturer Amina Abdallah said the program will prepare graduates to offer counseling services and conduct research to develop evidence-based solutions for emerging social problems.
“Graduates will be able to provide counseling on issues such as substance abuse, stress, and family problems,” she said. “They will also carry out research and contribute to policies that strengthen mental health services.”
It hoes without saying that the introduction of these programs demonstrates ISW’s commitment to aligning higher education with societal needs.
Unlike traditional courses, which often emphasize theory, these programs integrate practical components that enable graduates to make an immediate impact in their communities.
“This is not just about producing graduates,” said Mlambo. “It is about producing professionals who can transform lives.”
Experts argue that Tanzania needs more such initiatives to build a workforce that addresses not only economic needs but also social wellbeing.
With challenges ranging from family breakdowns to unemployment and mental health issues, the demand for qualified professionals in these areas is set to grow.
By expanding its academic portfolio, ISW positions itself as a key player in bridging these gaps and supporting the country’s development agenda.