OUT in inclusive education exchange with Germany
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Open University of Tanzania (OUT) has officially bid farewell to a group of students travelling to Germany to participate in a special exchange programme with Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich.
The initiative seeks to strengthen inclusive education and foster long-term academic cooperation.
The programme, which has benefitted OUT students for the third time, focuses on developing knowledge and strategies to support students with disabilities in higher education.
OUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Makulilo, said it represented a milestone in the university’s mission to strengthen its global visibility.
“Exposing our students to diverse academic and cultural settings not only broadens their perspectives but also enhances our institutional capacity. This programme is not just about academic growth, it is about transforming lives and shaping a more inclusive future,” he said during the colourful send-off ceremony in Dar es Salaam.
Prof Makulilo explained that the exchange programme aligns with the Tanzania Commission for Universities’ guidelines and national higher education policy, which emphasise international competitiveness.
OUT’s Director of Internationalisation and Conferences, Dr Flora Kiwonde, noted that the collaboration was particularly significant in the field of special education.
“Our students are expected to gain practical insights that will contribute to Tanzania’s broader efforts in supporting learners with special needs,” she said.
Among the departing students, Issa Jabir from OUT’s Mara centre expressed gratitude to the university for making the exchange possible. “We promise to participate fully and return with fresh knowledge and skills that will benefit OUT and contribute to Tanzania’s development,” he said.
Education analysts argue that such exchanges are crucial for building inclusive systems in Tanzania. They not only provide skills but also shape policy thinking, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in higher learning.
