TTU vows to tackle challenges facing Tanzania teachers
DAR ES SALAAM: IN a passionate address that has stirred hope among teachers nationwide, the President of the Tanzania Teachers’ Union(TTU), Mr. Suleiman Ikomba, said he will take bold and immediate action to resolve the long-standing challenges Tanzanian teachers have been facing.
His announcement, made during a meeting with reporters in Dar es Salaam today, June 19, 2025, marks a turning point in the ongoing conversation about the future of education in Tanzania.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Ikomba described the teaching profession as the “engine room of national progress,” emphasizing that without empowered teachers, no nation can thrive.
He acknowledged that for too long, educators have worked under strained conditions, juggling heavy workloads, outdated resources, and limited support. “Our teachers are builders of dreams,” he said, “and yet many of them are struggling just to get by.”
Mr. Ikomba outlined a number of priority areas for reform, including timely salary payments, reduction of classroom overcrowding, improved access to teaching materials, and mental health support for educators.
He stressed that these issues are not just professional concerns—they are deeply personal to teachers who dedicate their lives to shaping young minds. “We must move beyond empty promises,” he declared. “This is about action, not just words.”
The announcement comes at a time when morale among teachers has been notably low, with many expressing frustration over systemic neglect. Some have even left the profession in search of more stable careers.
To begin addressing these challenges, Mr. Ikomba revealed plans to hold a national teachers’ forum next month, where educators from all regions will be invited to share their experiences and solutions.
He also hinted at upcoming collaborations with the Ministry of Education and private sector partners to secure funding for school infrastructure and teaching tools.
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“This is not just a teachers’ fight,” said Ikomba. “This is a national mission. When we uplift our teachers, we uplift the future of Tanzania.” His words have ignited hope—and now, the nation waits to see if this promise will spark the transformation the education sector so desperately needs.
The response from the teaching community has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers’ associations across the country have praised Mr. Ikomba’s sincerity and called on the government to support his efforts.
