Over 1,700 teachers trained in digital skills

KILIMANJARO: A TOTAL of 1,710 teachers and tutors from various colleges have benefited from a digital education programme run by the Moshi-based Stephano Moshi Memorial University College (SMMUCo) since its introduction in 2014.

This was revealed recently by SMMUCo Provost, Prof Andrew Mmbwambo, during the opening of the 2026 Teaching and Learning with Digital Resources in Serving Training workshop held in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region.

“The graduates include teachers from secondary schools, tutors from vocational training centres as well as lecturers from various higher learning institutions,” he said.

He added, “The participants were provided with digital education which they later provided to others including secondary students; this has contributed in expanding the scope of citizens who have digital education in the country”.

Prof Mmbwambo said this year’s training is expected to benefit 215 participants, who will later share the knowledge with other teachers and students who were unable to attend the sessions.

He said SMMUCo introduced the programme in response to the growing importance of digital literacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) adaptability as key skills required across sectors globally.

“Equipping the workforce and students with digital training will increase the nation’s productivity, boost the economic growth and will also prepare individuals for high-demand IT and nontech roles,” he said.

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Speaking as Guest of Honour, Kilimanjaro Regional Education Officer (REO), Mr Abel Ntupwa, commended SMMUCo and its partners for initiating and sustaining the programme.

“Digital literacy is vital for the country’s economic future; it drives the country’s economic growth, improves job prospects and expands access to online government and private various services including those related to finance,” he said.

He added, “Digital educational programmes like the one you organised will help participants acquire digital skills that will contribute a lot in building a future-ready workforce for the nation”.

Earlier, one of the training coordinators, Professor Gasper Mpehongwa, said the programme involves various stakeholders, including the Switzerland-based Teaching and Learning Advisory Group (TALAG).

He said facilitators were drawn from the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NMAIST), Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA), SMMUCo, the University of Dodoma (UDOM) and higher learning institutions in Switzerland