150 VETA teachers return from India training

DODOMA: THE government has received 150 vocational education teachers who completed a one-month technical training programme in India, in a move expected to strengthen skills development, promote industrial growth and expand youth employment opportunities across the country.

The teachers were welcomed on Monday at the Parliament grounds by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, and the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda.

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Speaking during the reception, Prof Shemdoe expressed gratitude to President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for approving 3bn/- and authorising the training mission, noting that the government’s continued investment in teachers is aimed at enhancing the quality of vocational education and strengthening practical skills among learners.

He urged the returning teachers to ensure the knowledge gained in India is effectively transferred to classrooms and workshops, enabling students to acquire hands-on competencies needed for in – novation, entrepreneurship and competitiveness in the local and international labour markets.

“You must take everything you learnt abroad back to your classrooms. Our young people depend on your skills to be – come creators, entrepreneurs and professionals who can compete anywhere including creating their own jobs,” said Prof Shemdoe.

For his part, Prof Mkenda said the team was sent to India to study how vocational schools are run, how curricula are implemented, and how modern technology is applied in skills training. The goal, he said, is to ensure Tanzania’s new education curriculum is delivered effectively and meets global standards.

“We began with these 150 teachers, and this is a major step, something I cannot recall happening before,” Prof Mkenda said.

“They visited several institutions, observed equipment, and witnessed the teaching approaches. Their task now is to transform and strengthen the teaching of vocational subjects in line with the President’s directives and the new education policy,” he added.

He added that the initiative marks a significant stride toward modernising the country’s technical training system and empowering Tanzanian youth with market-relevant skills.