The government has launched Form Six Islamic Religious Education (IRE) textbooks, paving the way for their use in schools as part of the implementation of the revised secondary education curriculum.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology Prof Adolf Mkenda handed over the textbooks to the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA) and the Office of the Mufti of Zanzibar during a ceremony held at BAKWATA headquarters in Dar es Salaam on July 22.
The textbooks were developed by the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) following the introduction of Islamic Religious Education into the revised curriculum under the 2023 Education and Training Policy reforms.
Speaking at the event, Prof Mkenda said the government remained committed to ensuring all students have access to quality education and appropriate learning materials, regardless of the subjects they pursue.
He said the publication of the textbooks followed consultations with Muslim stakeholders and acknowledged BAKWATA's role in supporting the process through the establishment of the Taasisi ya Kusimamia Ufundishaji wa Dini ya Kiislamu Shuleni (TISTA), which oversees the teaching of Islamic Religious Education in schools.
"The availability of these textbooks is an important step in supporting effective teaching and learning. We expect them to be used as intended to improve learning outcomes for students studying the subject," he said.
Prof Mkenda also commended the Tanzania Institute of Education for completing the writing, review and production of the textbooks in time for their introduction in schools.
TISTA chairperson Musa Kundecha described the publication of the books as a significant milestone, saying they would strengthen the teaching and learning of Islamic Religious Education at advanced secondary level.
Representing the Mufti of Tanzania, Deputy Kadhi Ali Ngeruko said the new textbooks would provide students with standardised learning materials and help improve the delivery of the subject in schools.
The textbooks will be distributed to schools across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar for use by Form Six students enrolled in Islamic Religious Education.
