As 2024 ended, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar commended the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF) for its pivotal role in enhancing teachers’ professional competencies, particularly in integrating technology into education.
During the closing ceremony of a four-month training program at Tumekuja Secondary School in Unguja, Zanzibar’s Deputy Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Hon. Ali Abdulgulam Hussein, highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the education sector.
He underscored the importance of continuous professional development (CPD) for teachers, recognizing it as a cornerstone for delivering quality education.
Hon. Hussein expressed gratitude to JMKF for supporting the initiative and acknowledged the valuable contributions of Teach United in sharing expertise and resources.
He further encouraged the expansion of similar training programs to Pemba, emphasizing the need to address teacher shortages and workload imbalances to enhance both teacher effectiveness and student learning outcomes.
Chief Education Inspector, Ms. Maimuna Fadhil Abbas, urged the trained teachers to act as catalysts for change by implementing their newfound knowledge and mentoring their colleagues.
She also announced plans to monitor the practical application of these modern teaching approaches in classrooms to ensure their sustainability and impact.
Reaffirming JMKF’s commitment to education, Acting CEO Dr. Catherine Sanga noted that the foundation’s initiatives are designed to bridge gaps in teacher availability while equipping educators with effective teaching strategies and assessment tools.
She emphasized that these efforts align with Zanzibar’s broader development goals, reinforcing the government’s vision for a robust education system.
Teach United Africa Director, Ms. Angela Kithao, called for a shift from outdated teaching methods to globally competitive pedagogical approaches.
She stressed that such methods must be supported by well-equipped educators who can effectively deliver student-cantered learning experiences.
The program concluded with the awarding of certificates to the 60 participating teachers drawn from all over the Isles, who pledged to apply their skills in their classrooms and share best practices with peers.
This collaborative approach is expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing transformation of Zanzibar’s education sector, fostering a culture of continuous learning and instructional excellence.
