KILIMANJARO: MINISTER for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda has commended the Missionary Congregation of the Apostolic Life Community of Priests (ALCP/OSS) for its contribution to social services, including education in the country.
Speaking recently during the golden jubilee anniversary at its headquarters at Sabuko Sanya Juu, Siha District in Kilimanjaro Region, Prof Mkenda said the congregation has all along been doing a going job in the country, urging the church to continue praying for the nation to maintain peace, unity and solidarity.
“Special thanks to the church for the significant contributions to the education sector in the country. At the time of independence, the government had very few schools, but most other schools were built by the church and other religious organisations,” said Prof Mkenda.
The minister also highlighted the ongoing educational reforms, announcing that by 2027, compulsory education in Tanzania will extend to 10 years instead of the current 7 years.
He insisted that legislation and school infrastructure are being prepared in various areas to ensure effective implementation.
“We are among the few countries that are still implementing a seven – year compulsory education system. A child starts school at six years old, finishes Standard Seven at 13 and is not obliged to continue. Now, we have made changes,” said Prof Mkenda.
Prof Mkenda added that under the reforms, after six years of primary education, it will be mandatory for students to continue to secondary school up to Form Four.
Secondary education will feature two streams: general education and vocational education, which will include technical and vocational training.
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He said: “General education will focus purely on academics, while vocational education will combine academics with preparation for employment, including technical and vocational skills training.”
Prof Mkenda said that the country lacks the required number of technicians so those who complete Form Four in the vocational stream will continue for three years in polytechnics.
“We are building polytechnics in Mwanza, Kigoma, Mtwara, Morogoro, Dodoma and Zanzibar. These will enable students to choose subjects that prepare them for employment opportunities in the future,” he added.
On his part, the ALCP/OSS leader, Fr Charles Lyimo, affirmed their commitment to investing in education in line with the new direction aimed at developing skilled youth.
“We thank God for guiding the congregation to reach its Golden Jubilee of 50 years and enabling us to implement significant social service programmes including education.
