PM tells private education institutions to operate within framework

DODOMA: THE government has vowed to ensure private owned education institutions operate within its framework, especially by offering affordable services, which reflect the country’s economic situation for proper implementation of the new Education Policy 2023.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa disclosed this in the National Assembly yesterday, during the on-spot question session to the Premier, indicating that the services offered by the institutions should be built on the strong foundations of quality and sustainable investment in the education sector.

“As the government continues to embark on preparations for implementing the policy and education curriculum, the goal is to ensure the country’s ability to prepare its human capital and put in place an education and training system which is effective and productive,” said Mr Majaliwa.

Such, is anticipated to boost the number of citizens who will possess ample skills and education qualifications, which are in line with country’s demand and world at large once the policy takes effect.

The PM said that the government has already approved the draft policy as it eyes to come up with a date for the launch of the crucial document in the country’s education sector.

Although the government will continue to implement the fee free education policy in its public schools, the PM disclosed that in collaboration with various stakeholders they will continue to strengthen further mobilisation of funds to finance education at all levels.

Besides, the approval of the policy those intending to opt education courses will be required to have finished Form Six and above.

And, those who will opt for education courses will have to embark on a one-year internship upon completion of their pre-service training.

“Additional changes have been made by the government on the education policy 2014, including harmonisation of competency-based evaluation through introducing a range of assessment tools to test pupils’ learning progress,” he said.

He further said that a single recommended teaching text book for primary and secondary schools will be issued and administered to achieve proper evaluation of common teaching and learning progress.

Among other improvements include teacher, tutor and lecturer recruitment systems to ensure that only those qualified are employed.

The PM further observed that strategies to identify and promote development of students with special skills and talents will be introduced to groom and nurture them.

During the questions session, Special Seats legislator Husna Sekiboko (CCM) expressed concern over the shortage of teaching and learning materials, saying there has been a scarcity of the materials in primary and secondary schools across the country.

While responding, Mr Majaliwa noted that the government was working with several stakeholders to mobilise resources, saying that the new policy will be complemented by both proper technical and infrastructure as execution of vocational training centres are currently being undertaken.

On the other hand, Mlalo Member of Parliament, Mr Rashid Shangazi (CCM) wanted to know if the government will form a body, which will act as an umbrella for private operators in the education sector.

The PM said the new policy has attracted a huge engagement between the public and private sector, therefore, the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) deals with the administration of both public and private owned schools.

In this regard, the PM stated that there was no need of introducing such a body, but room has been created for the private sector to introduce their own body which is going to act on their behalf.