Teachers trained to boost digital learning under Airtel initiative

DAR ES SALAAM: In a bid to transform learning through technology, a capacity-building workshop has been conducted for 60 teachers to enhance their digital teaching skills under the Airtel SMARTWASOMI initiative.

The programme—powered by Airtel Tanzania through the Airtel Africa Foundation in partnership with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education is part of a nationwide effort to improve access to quality education by leveraging technology. Launched in May 2024 by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, SMARTWASOMI has so far connected over 400 primary and secondary schools across Tanzania.

The initiative provides zero-rated access to curriculum-based content from the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) and Shule Direct, enabling students and teachers to browse educational resources without incurring data costs.

Speaking at a press briefing held at STEM Park in Dar es Salaam, Director of Publications and Research at TIE, Mr Kwangu Masalu—on behalf of the Director General of the Tanzania Education Technology (TET), Dr Aneth Komba—emphasised the importance of teacher empowerment in driving the success of the initiative.

“Teachers are at the heart of the education system. This workshop is designed to strengthen their ability to deliver quality lessons using digital tools and to ensure better learning outcomes for students,” he said.

Airtel Tanzania’s Director of Regulatory and Corporate Communications, Ms Beatrice Singano, said the SMARTWASOMI platform eliminates a major barrier to digital learning by offering free access to educational content via the Airtel network.

“Today’s training gave teachers hands-on experience with digital learning tools. They learned how to integrate these resources into lesson plans, track student progress, and make classroom instruction more interactive and engaging,” she noted.

Ms Singano also commended the partnership model of the initiative, saying UNICEF contributes technical expertise in education and child development, Airtel provides the digital infrastructure, and the government ensures alignment with national priorities.

Participating teachers lauded the workshop for its practical approach. Ms Neema Avumba, a teacher at Tegeta A Primary School, said: “This training opened my eyes to the possibilities of using digital tools in class. I now feel confident in using SMARTWASOMI to improve how I teach.”

Her views were echoed by Mr Nassoro Shamsi of Mjimwema Primary School, who described the platform as a game-changer. “Access to up-to-date curriculum materials without data charges is a huge relief. I am excited to apply what I’ve learned.”

Beyond technical training, the workshop served as a platform for teachers to share experiences and foster collaboration. The goal is to build a nationwide network of digital learning ambassadors.

Airtel Tanzania targets to connect over 1,000 schools to the SMARTWASOMI platform by the end of 2025, as part of its broader commitment to promoting inclusive digital education and supporting national efforts to enhance teaching quality and student performance across the country.