Samia graces construction of 103 vocational schools worth 41.6bn/-
SIMIYU: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has launched a landmark education project by laying the foundation stone for one of 103 planned vocational secondary schools to be constructed across Tanzania at a total cost of 41.6bn/-.
The symbolic launch took place at Amali-Mwamapalala Secondary School in Itilima District, Simiyu Region, one of the flagship institutions under the initiative. The school is being built at a cost of 1.6bn/- and is already 96 percent complete.
Speaking at the event, President Samia said the government is prioritizing youth skills development to address unemployment and match the demands of a growing private sector.
“If we don’t equip our youth with the right skills, the government cannot absorb them all into public service. This is why we’re investing in vocational training to ensure they can be employed or self-employed especially as the private sector and investments in Tanzania continue to grow. If we fail to skill our youth, foreigners will fill those jobs, “she said.
The President emphasized the need to reposition the education system to ensure students graduate with practical, employable skills.
“We are shifting away from the old model where students completed Form Four with no direction. Now, they will graduate with skills to either start their own businesses or join the workforce, “she stated.
According to Eng Abbas Kilumile, the Mwamapalala school comprises 13 buildings, including an administration block, four classrooms, a dining hall, four dormitories (two for girls and two for boys), toilets, three workshops (for carpentry, masonry, and plumbing), and a staff house.
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Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Mohamed Mchengerwa, confirmed that the government has disbursed funds to all 26 regions to support the construction of the schools in selected local councils.
“This project reflects the government strong commitment to youth empowerment. The 41.6bn/- funding is already being utilized across the country,” he said, adding that councils involved in the project have been instructed to allocate part of their internal revenues to build security fencing around the new schools.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, said the first phase includes the construction of 26 schools on the mainland, while Zanzibar will receive two institutions offering technical training.
He added that students graduating from these schools will receive both a certificate from the National Examination Council of Tanzania (NECTA) and a technical qualification from the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET).
“Graduates will qualify in areas such as electrical installation, construction, and other technical fields. Those advancing to high school will complete a three-year program and graduate with a diploma and an advanced certificate,” he noted.
