ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has called on graduates to apply knowledge and skills they acquire from higher learning institutions to bring about changes and push for sustainable development in the country.
Addressing the graduates of Karume Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Dr Mwinyi urged them to embrace innovation, creativity, commitment, empathy and service to the people as they use their expertise to address complex national challenges.
“We congratulate you on successfully completing this important level of education and look forward to seeing you apply the knowledge and skills you’ve gained to make tangible contributions to the country’s development,” President Mwinyi said as he addressed participants of KIST’s 10th graduation ceremony.
Coincidentally, the ceremony coincided with the 61st anniversary celebrations of the Zanzibar Revolution of 1964.
Dr Mwinyi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to recognising the vital role of higher learning institutions in driving development, particularly by producing skilled professionals across various sectors.
The President pointed out that KIST’s achievements since its establishment in 1966 are a testament to the Zanzibar Revolution’s vision of building an institution that has benefitted many Zanzibari youth.
“Many KIST alumni hold key leadership positions in the country, showcasing the transformative power of education,” he said.
Dr Mwinyi noted that the founding of KIST was a direct reflection of the Afro-Shirazi Party’s (ASP) manifesto, which prioritised vocational and technical education to equip students with self-reliance skills.
He said the goal aligns with the 2020-2025 Election Manifesto of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which emphasises providing youth with the necessary skills for self-employment, rather than relying on the limited government job opportunities.
“Over the past 61 years, Zanzibar has seen remarkable progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, ICT and more,” Dr Mwinyi.
He added: “Graduates from KIST have played a significant role in these advancements, particularly as engineers driving major infrastructural projects.”
He urged the graduates to actively engage with communities both within and outside their immediate circles and to recognise the critical role KIST continues to play in Zanzibar’s development.
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Dr Mwinyi also highlighted two major projects initiated under his administration to enhance KIST’s infrastructure and human resources.
The first project focuses on empowering youth for self-employment and employment in the Blue Economy sector, offering training in oil and gas, marine activities and the processing of marine and agricultural products.
The second project involves the renovation and expansion of KIST’s facilities, including the construction of three engineering workshop buildings equipped with modern labs and 12 specialised workshops.
“These projects will not only improve the learning environment but also ensure that graduates have the skills needed to secure employment in various sectors relevant to their fields of study,” he explained.
