At least 153 teachers in central Tanzania have begun a five-day professional training programme aimed at strengthening classroom instruction and improving student performance in science and mathematics.
The training, held at Bustani Teachers’ College in Kondoa District, is part of the SIT project, an initiative focused on equipping teachers with practical, student-centred teaching methods that connect classroom learning with real-life experiences.
Speaking at the opening session, Assistant Director for Teacher Education at the Ministry of Education, Mathias Mvula, urged participants to translate the training into tangible improvements in their schools.
He described the programme as a rare opportunity for professional growth and called on teachers to demonstrate measurable changes in their teaching practices.
Facilitators said the SIT project places greater emphasis on pedagogy rather than subject content, working on the assumption that teachers already possess adequate academic knowledge.
Instead, the programme focuses on how that knowledge is delivered, a factor widely seen as critical in improving learning outcomes.
Participants highlighted the importance of continuous professional development, noting that many teachers have limited access to refresher training after graduating.
“These sessions help revive and strengthen core teaching skills that are often overlooked over time,” said participant named Hellen Msuruti, adding that the programme also enhances communication and counselling approaches within the classroom.
A key component of the initiative is knowledge-sharing. Teachers attending the training have committed to cascading the skills to colleagues and trainee teachers upon returning to their institutions, ensuring wider impact beyond the initial group.
Education experts involved in the programme say collaborative learning among teachers is essential to building consistent teaching standards.
By sharing methods and experiences, teachers are expected to strengthen collective competence and replicate best practices across schools.
Launched in 2015 in response to poor performance in science and mathematics, the SIT project has expanded from initial pilot regions in northern Tanzania to more than 12 regions nationwide.
It is supported by European Union-backed education initiatives through Finland’s development cooperation and implemented by development organisation Helvetas Tanzania in partnership with regional universities.
