The government has stepped up efforts to strengthen inclusive education by distributing specialised learning and assistive devices to schools and teachers’ colleges across the country, targeting students with special needs.
Presenting the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology’s Sh2.3 trillion budget estimates for the 2026/27 financial year in Parliament in Dodoma on Wednesday, Education Minister Adolf Mkenda said the initiative seeks to improve access to quality education for learners living with disabilities and other learning challenges.
Prof. Mkenda told lawmakers that the government had procured and distributed 688 laptops, 377 digital audio recorders, 196 tablets, 19 electronic Braille machines, six embossers, seven sound amplification devices and four hearing assessment kits.
The equipment has been supplied to 309 primary schools, 629 secondary schools and 10 teachers’ colleges nationwide.
The minister said the investment is intended to create a more supportive learning environment for students with special educational needs, while equipping teachers with tools to improve classroom delivery.
According to the ministry, the beneficiaries include 342 learners with physical disabilities, 312 with visual impairments, 155 with hearing impairments, 190 students with albinism and 198 learners with hearing difficulties.
Education stakeholders have increasingly called for greater investment in inclusive learning infrastructure, teacher training and assistive technologies to reduce barriers faced by students with disabilities in mainstream schools.
Prof. Mkenda said the government would continue strengthening inclusive education services to ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to learn, regardless of physical condition or learning limitations.
The latest intervention comes as Tanzania continues implementing reforms aimed at expanding equitable access to education and improving learning outcomes across the country.
