CJ: Prepare students to live in competitive globe
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Chief Justice Professor Ibrahim Juma has challenged schools to equip students with 21st-century skills, to prepare them to work and live in a competitive global economy that demands literacy in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT).
Prof Juma threw the challenge over the weekend while officiating at the graduation ceremony of Grade VII Class of 2023- 2024 at Academic International Primary School, Dar es Salaam.
He pointed out that the third phase President, late Benjamin Mkapa had alerted Tanzanians to prepare for the challenges of the 21st Century.
“In 1999, under President Mkapa, Tanzania published the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 to map its future for the next twenty-five years from 2000 to 2025,” he said.
According to Vision 2025, intense competition, advanced technological capacity, high productivity, modern and efficient transport and communication infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce imbued with initiative will dominate the 21st Century.
“Today, Tanzania under the leadership of the sixth phase President Samia Suluhu Hassan has commissioned the preparation of Vision 2025 – 2050. This vision is about you, it is about your job, employment and welfare. You must make sure your views and recommendations get appropriate attention,” he said.
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He reminded students that the doors of education and learning are never closed; education, learning and knowledge remain continuous. Such continuity will constantly transform and this requires better mindsets, developmental culture and attitudes toward self- development.
“You are now agents of change! Tanzania Development Vision 2025 describes education as a strategic change agent. A well-educated nation, sufficiently equipped with the knowledge, solves the development challenges facing the society… “…We all hope you will become the solution to the development challenges that Tanzania will face in the future,” he told the students.
The Chief Justice also pointed out that Tanzania is rich in culture, resource and most importantly, its youth, who are the future leaders, innovator and change makers.
He told them that one of the most powerful tools they have as agents of change is knowledge, the foundation of which school gave them. He encouraged them to embrace the search for knowledge and learning with passion and determination and make a habit of seeking knowledge within and outside the walls of their classrooms.
“Be curious, ask questions and constantly explore the world around you. The more you learn, the more equipped you will be able to solve the challenges of the 21st century. “…read widely and deeply, whether fiction or non-fiction, science or history, literature or technology. Each book you read adds to your understanding and broadens your horizon,” the Chief Justice said.
He also reminded the students that their education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about building character and values.
He said that integrity, justice and compassion are essential principles that will guide them in becoming responsible and ethical citizens.
