The Government has stepped up efforts to strengthen disaster management systems in Tanzania by engaging students in practical learning aimed at building future experts in the sector.
Students pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Disaster Risk Management from the University of Dodoma (UDOM) have received hands-on training through the Disaster Management Department under the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), as part of efforts to link classroom knowledge with real-life operations.
The two-day study visit, held on June 10 and 11, 2026, exposed the students to how the country’s disaster management systems operate in practice, including early warning systems, hazard monitoring, emergency coordination, and response mechanisms.
During the visit, the students toured key national facilities in Dodoma, including the Emergency Operations and Communication Centre at Ngome, the Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning Unit in Mtumba, and the construction site of the National Disaster Management Centre and emergency storage warehouses in Nzughuni.
Speaking during the engagement, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Dr. Jim Yonazi, commended the students for choosing to learn through practical exposure, saying such initiatives are critical in building a skilled workforce for the country.
Dr. Yonazi urged the students to continue strengthening their knowledge through research, innovation, and publications in disaster risk management, noting that Tanzania needs more experts to support prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working closely with universities to develop strong training programs in disaster management, adding that collaboration between academic institutions and government agencies is key to improving national resilience.
“The visit reflects the growing partnership between government and higher learning institutions in building expertise in disaster risk management, early warning systems, and emergency coordination. It also shows the Government’s continued investment in strengthening systems that protect lives and property,” he said.
The Director of the Disaster Management Department, Brigadier General Hosea Ndagala, said the students’ visit was an important step in understanding how government systems work in managing disasters.
He said the country has strengthened mechanisms for monitoring risks, issuing early warnings, and coordinating emergency responses to ensure timely action and reduce the impact of disasters on communities.
Ms. Jane Alfred Kikunya, Assistant Director of the Emergency Operations and Communication Centre, who led the training sessions, said she was impressed by the students’ interest and active participation.
She noted that disaster management is becoming an increasingly important field and encouraged more students to pursue it, adding that the Prime Minister’s Office remains open to learners, researchers, and stakeholders who want practical exposure to national systems.
UDOM lecturer Dr. Japhet Ringo thanked the Government for providing students with the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, saying the visit has helped bridge the gap between theory and real operations.
He said the University of Dodoma will continue working with the Government to promote research, innovation, and skills development in disaster risk management to strengthen the country’s preparedness and resilience against disasters.
