Govt’s support brings vocational school to Pemba

ZANZIBAR: THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting development across both parts of the Union, with plans underway to construct a new vocational training school in Kojani, Wete District, North Pemba.

This was announced by the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda, during a recent visit to Kambini Kichokochwe in Wete District.

Addressing residents of the Kojani constituency, Prof Mkenda was accompanied by Kojani legislator Mr Hamad Hassan Chande and received a community-donated plot earmarked for the school’s construction.

Prof Mkenda urged Pemba residents to recognise and appreciate the joint efforts of the Union government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Zanzibar’s government led by President Hussein Mwinyi.

He said that both governments are committed to easing public hardships through development initiatives in sectors such as education.

He said that President Samia had personally directed the construction of vocational training schools in Kojani, Pemba, and in Southern Unguja, as part of the initiative’s first phase.

“We are here to implement the directive of the president, and we will work closely with your MP, Mr Chande, to ensure its timely execution,” Prof Mkenda said.

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He noted the strong collaboration between the Union and Zanzibar governments, citing the establishment of higher education institutions in Pemba, such as the Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy and the Open University of Tanzania, as tangible results of Union cooperation.

“The aim is to make education more accessible for the youth in Pemba, eliminating the need to travel to the mainland,” he said.

On higher education financing, Prof Mkenda noted that the government has increased the budget for the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) from 464bn/-in 2021 to 787bn/- this financial year.

“This increase means no student from Pemba will be left behind when it comes to accessing higher education,” he said, adding that the government is also investing in opportunities to sponsor Tanzanian students abroad starting next year.

For his part, MP Chande welcomed the vocational school project, saying it would significantly benefit the local economy by equipping youth with practical skills.

“This initiative will empower our young people and drive economic growth in our community,” he said.

He urged the Ministry of Works to ensure contractors prioritise hiring local youth from Kambini Kichokochwe for the project, including skilled labourers.

He also vowed to continue advocating for infrastructural improvements, including upgrading roads to tarmac standards.

Meanwhile, Pemba Regional Education Officer Mohamed Nassor Salim commended residents of Kambini Kichokochwe for donating land for the vocational school, a gesture he said reflects their strong commitment to education.