‘Leave no child behind in school enrolment’

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar First VicePresident, Mr Othman Masoud Othman, has stated that the ongoing improvement of education infrastructure in the country aims to expand educational opportunities and ensure that no child is denied their right to education.

“The government, with support from development partners, including the IMF Covid-19 relief fund, has been working to improve the education sector.

Education is Zanzibar’s top priority because it is a basic human right and the foundation for peace and sustainable development,” Mr Othman said.

He made the statement at Maungani in Unguja West B District after laying the foundation stone for the construction of a three-storey school building, marking one of the events to celebrate the 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution.

He explained that the initiative to build more school structures is part of the government’s efforts to address the shortage of classrooms in various areas of Zanzibar and to ensure that all children are enrolled.

“Education in a better environment not only lays a strong foundation for children and young people to acquire skills and knowledge, but it also builds a generation capable of contributing effectively to Zanzibar’s development,” the First VP said.

He further said that creating a conducive learning environment will enable young people to compete effectively in a rapidly changing global landscape.

“Therefore, the construction of this school and others being built is part of the government’s efforts to address educational challenges,” he added.

The First VP said that Zanzibar is experiencing significant population growth, with the 2022 census showing that the population is growing at an average rate of 3.7 per cent annually.

He explained that this population increase is driving the rising demand for schools and higher learning institutions, which doubles year after year, leading to an even greater need for classrooms in many parts of Zanzibar.

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The Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Zanzibar, Ms Leila Mohammed Mussa, said that the construction of new school buildings reflects the government’s ongoing reforms in the education sector.

She noted that investing in education is crucial, as no nation can develop without an educated population.

Providing a technical report on the construction, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Khamis Abdalla Said, explained that the new school will have the capacity to accommodate 1,710 students in a single stream, with an average of 45 students per class.

He added that the project aims to improve the quality of education in the country.