ZANZIBAR: THE government is committed to developing a more competitive workforce by equipping Tanzanian youth with the skills necessary to thrive in both local and international job markets, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said.
Speaking during the inauguration of Bumbwini Misufini Secondary School in Zanzibar ahead of the commemoration of the 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, President Samia said the government is aware of the critical role of education in preparing Tanzanians for success in a competitive global economy.
“Our goal is to create experts, not just scholars. Education must translate into skills that benefit individuals and the nation. Skilled professionals are essential for Tanzania development,” President Samia said emphasising the need for practical knowledge alongside academic achievements.
She said the inauguration of Bumbwini Misufini Secondary School stands as a testament to the government’s dedication to advancing education, fostering innovation and empowering Tanzanian youth to contribute meaningfully to the nation growth.
She noted that investment in Tanzania is growing rapidly, highlighting the recent opening of the Cocoon Collection on Bawe Island, which has created 400 jobs.
However, she observed that very few employees were from the coastal areas, pointing out a significant gap in developing skilled professionals.
President Samia insisted the need to address the gap, particularly in the tourism sector and other industries to ensure local communities benefit from such opportunities.
The president said that the recently launched Digital Economy Strategy emphasises collaboration with the private sector to integrate advanced technologies into the education system.
“We are equipping schools with computers to prepare students for employment. As we attract more investors, they bring advanced technologies and our workforce must be ready to utilise these tools,” she explained.
President Samia also urged parents to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the government education initiatives.
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“Education is free, but the government bears most of the cost. We need your support to ensure that children fully utilise these resources. I am asking you parents to encourage your children to study and attend school regularly. This is their time to benefit,” she said.
Moreover, the Head of State called on local leaders, teachers and students to take responsibility for maintaining school infrastructure.
“Small repairs should be addressed promptly to prevent major damage. I propose the establishment of a maintenance fund to keep these schools functional for years to come. Contractors must also uphold professionalism and integrity to deliver durable projects,” she added.
Reflecting on Zanzibar’s educational revolution, President Samia celebrated the remarkable progress made since independence.
“Before the revolution, Zanzibar had only 62 schools and 25,432 students across all levels. Today, we have 1,308 schools, with an enrollment of over 620,000 students. We have introduced computers for both students and teachers, significantly improving the quality of education,” she said.
The President highlighted the establishment of colleges and specialised schools, along with a fund that provides loans to support university students.
“This progress reduces the financial burden on parents and ensures that education is accessible to all. Our elders prioritised education as part of the revolution and we continue to build on that solid foundation,” she said.
Furthermore, President Samia outlined her vision of producing a generation of highly skilled professionals, which is prepared to meet the demands of a modern economy.
Zanzibar’s Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Ms Leila Mohammed Mussa, commended the substantial investments made by both governments in education over the past 61 years, noting crucial improvements in infrastructure, teacher welfare and the digitalisation of the education system.
“These transformations have led to substantial gains in student performance,” she said.
She added that the newly inaugurated school has been built at a cost of 6.1bn/-. The school, which can accommodate 1,800 students, features 40 classrooms spread across three floors. Ms Mussa emphasised that the ongoing improvement.
