By The Respondents Reporter
The Government, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), has received a preliminary report from the Education Act Review Committee, Chapter 353.
Speaking during a sectoral meeting in Dodoma, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Prof. Carolyne Nombo, said the Education Act of 1978, though amended several times, still has gaps that need urgent attention to align with current policies and operational reforms.
She identified key challenges, including the starting age for pre-primary and primary education, duration of compulsory and early childhood education, lack of legal recognition for learners with special needs, child protection in schools, weak leadership and management structures in the education sector, and limited collaboration between the private sector and government in delivering educational services.
Prof. Nombo said the Committee, established in May 2024 under Prof. Saudin Mwakaje, gathered views from various stakeholders and prepared the preliminary report.
The report will undergo verification and improvements before being shared as a draft with stakeholders and eventually submitted to the Cabinet.
Prof. Mwakaje said the review involved detailed analysis of policy statements to identify areas that require legal reinforcement to remove conflicts between policy and existing law.
“The process engaged education stakeholders, including heads of institutions, associations of private school and college owners, professional bodies, parents, teachers, students, organizations supporting persons with disabilities, and development partners,” Prof. Mwakaje added.
The initiative reflects the government’s determination to modernize Tanzania’s education system and ensure it meets current policy, social, and operational needs.