Z’bar 2nd VP pushes for capable school committees

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’s Second Vice-President, Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, has directed the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training in Pemba to closely monitor the formation of school committees and ensure they are made up of qualified, committed and capable members who can effectively drive school development.

Mr Abdulla, who also serves as House Representative for Kiwani Constituency made the directive during a ceremony to award high-performing and talented students from the constituency for the 2025/2026 academic year. The event was held at Kiwani Secondary School in South Pemba.

He said school committees must comprise individuals with appropriate qualifications, integrity, readiness and patriotism to actively oversee school development and address challenges facing schools for the overall benefit of students.

He urged head teachers from all schools in Kiwani to work collectively and hold joint discussions aimed at improving academic performance across the constituency so that all schools can achieve high pass rates.

The Kiwani Representative said constituency leaders have adopted a strategy that prioritises strengthening primary education, noting that a strong foundation at early learning levels equips students with the skills and confidence required to excel at secondary schools and higher learning institutions.

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He added that, in collaboration with fellow leaders, efforts would continue to address challenges facing teachers, including staff shortages and welfare concerns, stressing that motivated teachers are central to delivering quality education and positive learning outcomes.

Speaking at the event, Zanzibar Ministry of Education and Vocational Training Liaison Officer for Pemba, Mr Mohammed Nassor Salim, said the Eighth Phase Government continues to invest in improving education infrastructure through the construction of modern schools equipped with adequate teaching and learning facilities, an initiative expected to enhance national examination performance.

He called on head teachers to review their school committees, identify existing challenges and needs and strengthen cooperation with surrounding communities to support the government’s goal of expanding and strengthening the education sector.

Meanwhile, Kiwani Member of Parliament, Mr Hija Hassan Hija, said constituency leaders have agreed that education remains their top priority, with a strong focus on eliminating challenges facing both teachers and students.

He said plans are underway for constituency leaders to meet and engage all teachers in Kiwani to discuss practical strategies for improving student performance from primary to secondary levels.

Speaking on behalf of all head teachers in the constituency, Mr Omar Juma Said, Head Teacher of Chanjaani Primary School, said the Eighth Phase Government has successfully addressed the long-standing challenge of multiple school streams and classroom congestion.