The Tanzania Education Authority (TEA) has highlighted the role of investments in education infrastructure in expanding access to quality learning, while calling on development partners, the private sector and the public to contribute to the National Education Fund to strengthen the sector.
The call was echoed by the Director of the Department of Alternative and Adult Education in Zanzibar, Mashavu Ahmada Fakih, during a visit to the TEA pavilion at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba).
Mashavu said TEA has supported government efforts to improve education in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar by financing the construction of new schools, renovating classrooms and rehabilitating learning facilities.
She said the investments have helped improve teaching and learning environments while supporting wider access to education across the country.
According to her, the authority's work is particularly important as Tanzania implements the competency-based curriculum, which aims to equip learners with practical knowledge, skills and competencies needed for self-employment, innovation and national development.
She said improved education infrastructure provides students with a better environment to acquire the skills required to compete in the labour market and contribute to the country's economic growth.
"Education is the right of every citizen and the foundation of both individual and national development. Through education, people acquire knowledge, skills and the capacity to participate productively in economic and social development," Mashavu said.
She urged development partners, private sector institutions, organisations and members of the public to contribute to the National Education Fund, saying increased support would help expand education infrastructure and improve access to quality education for more children across the country.
The National Education Fund mobilises additional resources to complement government investment in education, supporting infrastructure development and other initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes.
