Tanzania prioritises skilled youth workforce
DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda, has affirmed that Tanzania’s focus in education is on fostering a skilled youth workforce to transform the nation into a hub for a diverse range of expertise.
Professor Mkenda made the remarks in Dar es Salaam yesterday, where he addressed participants at the conclusion of a three-day educational forum prepared by Tenmet.
The forum which featured in education stakeholders from over eight African countries was themed “Fostering Resilience Educational Systems for Sustainable Development in Africa.”
To achieve the goal of making Tanzania a skills hub—meeting the demands of investors who often source specialised skills from neighboring countries—substantial investment in vocational education is essential, he stated.
In outlining areas that should frame the nation’s educational objectives, Prof Mkenda identified four key factors: demographics, globalisation, technology and the structure of the national economy.
“When we discuss education, we need to consider our demographics, globalisation, technological advancements and the structure of our economy,” Prof Mkenda explained.
He went on to note that current educational outcomes are producing graduates who contribute only minimally to various economic sectors, adding, “Our education system, as it stands, does not prepare us adequately.”
Prof Mkenda elaborated on the national educational focus, which aims to produce globally employable professionals. He stressed that defining effective reforms in education is essential, with an emphasis on science and technology.
“Our reforms should prioritise science and technology. A well-invested few can generate significant productivity,” he commented.
To underscore his point, Prof Mkenda requested IT personnel to play a video featuring a US investor, who explained that leading investors favour China not due to cheap labour, but because of an abundance of skilled labour.
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Using his academic insight, Prof Mkenda invited participants to reflect on the areas that Tanzanian education must emphasise to reinforce vocational education.
Adopting a Socratic approach, he further engaged attendees by asking questions on political behaviour, such as “Why do you think people vote the way they do? And why do people elect certain leaders?”
These questions, he explained, were intended to prompt reflection on how leaders with entrepreneurial skills and a vision for the country are increasingly valued by voters in the modern world.
“Let’s focus on skills-based education and commit to this for the long term. I will keep reminding you of this until you tire of hearing it,” Prof Mkenda urged.
He also directed TENMET, organisers of the forum, to focus the education agenda firmly on skill acquisition.
The government, Prof Mkenda revealed, is committed to revitalising Tanzania’s technical schools, which once thrived.
“We are reinstating our nine former technical schools, which were highly successful and opening an additional 106 technical schools across the country,” he disclosed.
While placing emphasis on vocational training, Prof Mkenda clarified that the system will also support a general education track incorporating skills-based learning.
