Tanzania pushes digital skills for teachers

DODOMA: Commissioner for Education, Dr Lyabwene Mutahaba, has said the government remains committed to strengthening teachers’ digital skills as part of efforts to improve equitable access to quality education for all.

Dr Mutahaba made the remarks in Dodoma while opening a four-day ICT Competency Standards for Teachers Training Workshop on behalf of the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Carolyne Nombo.

According to the Commissioner, the initiative aligns with Tanzania’s national education priorities and the country’s commitment to improving equitable access to quality education for all.

Speaking at the well-attended event, which brought together mathematics and science teachers from both public and private schools in Dodoma, Dr Mutahaba said the development of 15 ICT modules for pre-service and in-service teachers marks a significant milestone in efforts to operationalise the approved 2025 ICT Competency Standards for Teachers.

“These modules will provide teachers with practical skills to effectively integrate technology into pedagogy, enhance classroom engagement, improve learning outcomes and promote innovation in education delivery,” he said.

He encouraged participants to engage meaningfully with the Tanzania Institute of Education Learning Management System (NEWAKA), where the modules are hosted, share experiences and support one another in mastering the competencies covered.

Dr Mutahaba said the success of the training would depend not only on what participants learn during the four days, but also on how effectively the acquired knowledge and skills are applied and shared with other teachers in schools and communities.

“I therefore urge each of you to embrace this opportunity with seriousness and dedication, recognising that you are key agents in advancing Tanzania’s digital education transformation,” he advised.

On her part, UNESCO National Associate Project Officer, Gabriela Lucas, said the UNESCO-Korean Funds-in-Trust (KFIT) Phase III project titled “ICT Transforming Education in Africa” was designed to empower teachers in Tanzania to effectively use digital tools in teaching.

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She explained that national digital learning platforms are being enhanced and digital learning content covering target subject areas and grade levels is being developed and made accessible through those platforms.

“Teachers are empowered to design and facilitate digital learning and use ICT for pedagogical purposes, while students’ access to and use of open and inclusive digital learning is enhanced,” she added.

According to her, policies and strategies on ICT in education are also being developed to support the human-centred integration of technology in education.

Aneth Secondary School teacher based in the capital, Abel Ndama, said the training had come at the right time as teachers are being empowered to use ICT in teaching in line with the new education curriculum.

The Physics and Chemistry teacher said technology has become part of every aspect of society and that he would apply the skills acquired in teaching science subjects as well as training fellow teachers to help the country achieve its education goals.