PS stresses regular training for teachers

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Caroline Nombo

MOROGORO: THE Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Caroline Nombo has urged primary school owners to conduct regular training for their teachers so as to cope with changes taking place in the education sector.

The PS made the remarks recently in Morogoro during a meeting which brought together school owners, teachers and other education stakeholders among others and which focused on new education policy and curricular which is expected to start implementation when schools reopen on January 8 this year.

Prof Nombo said that regular training for teachers will make the sector contribute greatly to the country’s development.

Advertisement

“In order to improve the quality of education in the country, we should also have quality teachers, and these cannot just be obtained without providing training to them, therefore school owners should prioritise training in order to cope with changes, including execution of new education policy,” said Prof Nombo.

She emphasised that for the curriculum to be effectively implemented, it is convincing to have well-prepared, professional teachers who are ethical.

Nombo stated, “the government in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE), is committed to providing free training to teachers. This is based on the understanding that training is a service, not a business.”

She emphasised that the new curriculum is crafted to foster the development of intelligent, morally upright and patriotic graduates while the primary focus is on instilling awareness of their surroundings and encouraging them to use available opportunities for self-development.

Prof Nombo commended the “umbrella organisation” for its collaborative effort with the government, including the President’s Office – Regional Administrations and Local Governments (PO-RALG), the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and TIE.

“This cooperation is aimed at implementing the enhanced curriculum by increasing the number of facilitators who will build capacity to other teachers on the new education curricular,” added Nombo.

On her part, TIE Managing Director, Dr Aneth Kombaa stated that there will be numerous facilitators for the improved curriculum, drawn from both government and non-government schools who will assist in implementing this curriculum nationwide by training other teachers.

She noted, “both teachers, facilitators and educators will gain a comprehensive understanding of all the improvements made to the curriculum, including teaching methodologies, to effectively transfer the message to all students.”

The session was attended by teachers and owners of over 600 schools in Morogoro region.