MOROGORO: THE government of Canada has announced a substantial investment in skills development for Tanzanian women and youth.
Through its Institute of Global Affairs and the Association of Colleges and Institutes of Canada (CICan), Canada is allocating approximately CAD 25 million (about 50bn/-) for the Empowerment of Skills Training Project (ESP).
The ESP aims to support 12 Folk Development Colleges (FDCs) across Tanzania by providing targeted training programmes for women and youth.
The initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, offers vocational and technical training through short-term courses.
Launched in 2021, the project will continue until 2028, aiming to enhance the livelihoods of young people and women through skills development.
During a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for a new cooking course to be introduced next year at Bigwa Folk Development College, Dr Alice Mumbi, Director of the ESP project, highlighted the project’s progress.
Dr Mumbi announced that kitchen equipment worth 8m/- had been procured for Bigwa College, marking the start of the collaboration between Canadian partners and Tanzanian colleges.
“The project aims to benefit 720 women and girls through short-term gender-focused programmes and an additional 480 women through training offered by 12 social organisations,” Dr Mumbi said.
She explained that the emphasis on culinary arts was based on research indicating the hospitality industry’s rapid growth and its potential for job creation when trainees are equipped with modern skills and tools.
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Dr Mumbi also disclosed that each of the 12 participating colleges would be provided with over 25 computers, projectors and printers to enhance their ICT training capabilities.
The project also aims to update existing curricula to better meet labor market demands.
“We are working closely with the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) to revise short-term programmes at the FDCs, ensuring graduates have the skills needed for employment or self-employment,” Dr Mumbi noted.
Dr Erick Mgaya, Assistant Director of Technical and Vocational Training at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology expressed appreciation for the Canadian government’s support.
He stated that the upgraded training facilities would prepare Tanzanian students for both local and international job markets.
He emphasised the importance of modern equipment in delivering internationally recognised skills, adding, “The ESP project is dedicated to equipping youth with the skills necessary for economic success.”
The new cooking course is generating interest, with trainers such as Eliasi Kajiru and Mkiwa Mrisho highlighting the significance of creativity and precision in culinary arts.
Mrisho encouraged students to view cooking as a professional field requiring formal education and practice.
This collaborative initiative is expected to improve job prospects and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people, with a lasting impact on Tanzania’s economy.
