Tanzania is taking a bold step to strengthen vocational education as 150 engineering teachers prepare to travel to India for advanced professional training.
The teachers were urged to embrace the opportunity fully, with the aim of returning as catalysts for education reform across the country.
The call came on March 26, 2026, from the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Riziki Shemdoe, during a farewell ceremony in Dar es Salaam.
He urged the teachers to study with dedication and discipline, learn new teaching techniques, and apply the knowledge to build the capacity of other educators upon their return.
“Go and study diligently, uphold professional ethics, and be ready to introduce new methods when you return. You are expected to become pillars of vocational education and sources of knowledge for your colleagues,” Prof. Shemdoe said.
The Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Adolf Mkenda, noted that the programme aligns with the government’s 10-year compulsory education policy.
It is designed to strengthen teaching skills and prepare a generation of Tanzanian professionals capable of competing on the global stage.
“The role of these teachers is crucial they are the bridge between policy and classroom implementation. Their success will determine the effectiveness of education reforms nationwide,” he said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Carolyne Nombo, praised the government under Samia Suluhu Hassan for providing this opportunity, saying it demonstrates a firm commitment to advancing education reforms and improving teaching quality.
She also lauded the collaboration between sector ministries and stakeholders that made the programme possible.
Teachers selected for the training, including Judith Faustine, a civil engineering teacher at Mwadui Technical Secondary School, and Jacob Mwalyego, a masonry teacher at Mbogwe Technical Secondary School, described the opportunity as both an honour and a chance to gain new skills to support national education reforms.
Education Commissioner Lyabwene Mtahabwa said the one-month programme will involve teachers from all 26 mainland regions and education leaders from nine regions.
The initiative marks a historic step in Tanzania’s technical education journey, with returning teachers expected to share knowledge, train colleagues, and ensure the sustainability of skills development across the country.
The government anticipates that this initiative will significantly enhance the quality of vocational education, equipping students with practical skills essential for driving industrial growth and national development.
