Vocational, technical schools to tackle unemployment

SIMIYU: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ad dressing youth unemployment by establishing vocational and technical secondary schools across the country.

Speaking on Wednesday during the laying of a foundation stone for Mwamapalala Vocational Secondary School in Itilima District, Simiyu Region, President Samia insisted that the initiative is designed to equip students with practical skills for immediate employment or self employment upon completing their secondary education.

“The previous system left Form Four graduates without tangible skills, relying on the hope of government employment. We are changing that by creating schools that prepare students to become self-reliant and employable across various sectors,” she said.

The event also marked the official launch of construction for 26 similar schools across Mainland Tanzania, a key component of the government’s broader education reform ageda.

The Head of State explained that vocational schools will offer training in trades such as agriculture and music, while technical schools will focus on disciplines like engineering and technology. She called on contractors to ensure timely completion of the projects so that classes can commence by January next year.

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“Our youth population is large and the government alone cannot provide jobs for all of them. That’s why we are empowering them with skills to thrive in the private sector as professionals and entrepreneurs,” said President Samia.

She also encouraged parents to embrace the new opportunities and send their children to the vocational and technical institutions that are being established.

“The government is investing heavily from primary and secondary schools to vocational, technical and even university branches in different regions,” she said.

Earlier, the Minister for Education, Science and Technol ogy, Professor Adolf Mkenda, reported that construction of the 26 schools is nearing completion and operations are set to be gin in January 2026.

He said the initiative stems from President Samia’s directive to revamp vocational and technical education, which had seen a decline in previous years.

“Out of 103 planned schools, 26 are currently under construction in Mainland Tanzania, with two in Zanzibar,” he noted.

He added that graduates will earn certificates, proceed to Form Six and continue to diploma-level education over three years.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State in the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa said that 41.6bn/- is being spent on building the 26 schools, with Mwamapalala School alone costing 1.6bn/-.