Mwinyi promises more funding for education sector
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR government will continue to increase budget allocation for the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and provide more opportunities for students to access loans for higher education, President Hussein Mwinyi has said.
Speaking at the ‘Dr Ali Mohamed Shein’ Hall of the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) in Tunguu, Unguja Central District on Saturday, Dr Mwinyi, revealed that the education budget has been raised from 265.5 billion/- for the 2021/2022 fiscal year to over 851 billion/- for 2024/2025—an impressive increase of 221 per cent.
“The ball is in your court! All eligible young people seeking higher education can now access ‘unconditional’ loans. We have also increased the budget for the Zanzibar Higher Education Loans Board (ZHESLB) from 4bn/- in 2011 to 33.5bn/- this year,” he stated at a meeting with university graduates who are members of CCM.
He noted that this funding will support at least 7,367 young people in acquiring higher education at universities in Tanzania and abroad. To ensure that more youth benefit, the government has started providing loans to students studying at the diploma level.
Additionally, Dr Mwinyi announced that 365 students with First Division honours in Zanzibar are currently receiving scholarships from the government and various stakeholders.
The president also emphasised the government’s efforts to improve vocational training centres and construct new ones to promote practical learning, enhancing employability and self-employment opportunities.
He informed the graduates that construction of five new vocational training colleges in Unguja and Pemba is underway to equip young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle unemployment challenges.
“The construction of these colleges, along with improvements to infrastructure—including roads, airports, ports and markets—will create job opportunities for young people, including graduates, by attracting investors in various sectors, including tourism and industry,” he said.
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements since taking office in 2020, Dr Mwinyi noted that more young people are finding jobs, with a total of 330 projects registered, representing a capital investment of 5.4 billion US dollars, expected to generate over 18,000 jobs.
He further highlighted efforts to empower youth and women with viable investment ideas through the “Inuka Programme,” which has allocated about 15bn/- for concessional loans.
Dr Mwinyi mentioned that 30.2bn/- has already been disbursed this financial year, with an additional allocation of 41.6bn/- planned for the second phase of the “Inuka Programme.”
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He urged young people to take advantage of the various opportunities provided by the government to further their education and enhance their economic prospects.
National CCM Youth Wing (UVCCM) Chairman Mr Mohamed Ali Mohamed and Deputy National Secretary-General of CCM responsible for Zanzibar, Dr Mohamed Said Mohamed ‘Dimwa,’ commended Dr Mwinyi for his continued efforts to improve the education sector, recognising its importance for development.
