Govt rolls out ICT equipment to boost digital learning

DODOMA: DEPUTY Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ms Wanu Hafidhi Ameir, has handed over ICT equipment worth 769.39m/- for distribution to 19 schools across the country, as part of the government’s broader strategy to implement the National Strategy for the Use of Digital Technologies in Education.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Dodoma yesterday, the Deputy Minister said the equipment, financed by the government and development partners, will be distributed to 19 primary and secondary schools in nine regions namely; Unguja South, Dodoma, Iringa, Ruvuma, Arusha, Geita, Kilimanjaro, Mbeya and Mtwara.

According to Ms Ameir, the equipment will enhance students’ understanding by providing opportunities for practical and visual learning, particularly in science and technology subjects.

“For teachers, these technologies will enable the use of innovative teaching methods, more efficient content preparation, and easier monitoring of students’ progress through digital systems,” she said.

She commended the Ministry, development partners and stakeholders for their continued efforts to strengthen the education sector, particularly through the integration of digital technologies in teaching and learning.

Ms Ameir noted that the Ministry is implementing major reforms as outlined in the Education and Training Policy of 2014 (2023 Edition) and the improved curricula, aimed at enhancing the quality of education and developing human capital equipped with relevant knowledge, skills and competencies.

To achieve these goals, she said the Ministry is overseeing the implementation of compulsory 10-year education to ensure every child completes primary and lower secondary education, as well as expanding vocational education streams to equip students with technical, entrepreneurial and innovative skills.

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She added that the Ministry is also integrating digital technologies into teaching, learning and education management to improve efficiency and service delivery, while strengthening teacher training to equip educators with modern skills for teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Ms Ameir explained that ongoing reforms have increased demand for teachers, infrastructure and teaching and learning materials.

“To address this, the government continues to strengthen the use of digital technologies as a key tool for improving education delivery,” she said.

On her part, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Prof Carolyne Nombo, said the 1,510 ICT equipment items are part of the broader strategy to implement the new education policy.

She directed education officers and heads of schools to ensure the equipment is used effectively to achieve the intended outcomes.

Meanwhile, Lyra Africa Board Chairperson, Mr Henry Kulaya, said the organisation is supporting the government in implementing the new education policy, noting that it has already executed several projects in Iringa aimed at improving the learning environment.