Ministry calls for updated education databases

ARUSHA: THE government has directed Regional and Council Education Officers across the country to establish accurate and updated databases in every local authority to enable effective planning for human resources, classrooms and essential school facilities.

The directive issued by Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Professor Riziki Shemdoe, is aimed at eliminating infrastructure shortages by 2028, when Standard Six and Standard Seven pupils are expected to complete their studies concurrently.

Speaking in Arusha yesterday while opening the Regional and District Education Officers Association (REDEOA) meeting, Prof Shemdoe said that proper data management is critical to smooth implementation of government plans in the education sector.

“We do not want to hear in 2028 that children are failing to continue with their studies due to a shortage of classrooms, toilets or other essential services. Ensure you provide accurate data to enable the government to plan effectively,” he said.

Prof Shemdoe also instructed Regional Commissioners to closely supervise their respective councils and ensure that specific days are allocated at ward level to listen to citizens’ complaints and resolve emerging challenges promptly.

He noted that the absence of a structured grievance-handling system at council level has forced many residents to raise their concerns during visits by national leaders, particularly during the ongoing regional tours by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba.

The minister stressed that Council Directors and Council Management Teams (CMT) must remain close to the people and address concerns proactively, rather than waiting for issues to surface during high-level visits.

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On moral values, Prof Shemdoe urged education officers to closely monitor and address the erosion of ethics in society, reminding them that teachers serve as role models responsible for nurturing students with strong moral foundations, especially in an era of rapid scientific and technological advancement.

He called on teachers to guide students in the proper use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), particularly social media platforms, so that technology becomes a catalyst for strengthening morals rather than undermining them.

Moreover, Prof Shemdoe directed education officials to implement the Prime Minister’s instruction requiring all schools nationwide to have adequate toilet facilities for students and teachers within six months.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary for Education in the docket, Mr Atupele Mwambene said the 12th REDEOA Annual General Meeting is being held under the theme: ‘ICT Use is a Key Pillar for Improving Education in Tanzania.’

He said the meeting aims to foster productive discussions to strengthen the education sector while promoting ICT as an essential tool for teaching and learning in line with technological advancements.

Mr Mwambene also commended the government for its continued efforts to supply ICT equipment to schools to support effective teaching and learning across the country