The initiative, celebrated in Nachingwea, Lindi, saw 29 tutors from Ruangwa, Mtama, Lindi Municipal, and Nachingwea Districts receive certifications after completing an intensive programme aimed at equipping them with 21st-century teaching skills.
Dar es Salaam. The Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED, EA) has once again demonstrated its commitment to transforming teacher education in Tanzania with the successful conclusion of the Foundations for Learning (F4L) project, which ran from 2022 to 2025.
The initiative, celebrated in Nachingwea, Lindi, saw 29 tutors from Ruangwa, Mtama, Lindi Municipal, and Nachingwea Districts receive certifications after completing an intensive programme aimed at equipping them with 21st-century teaching skills.
Over three years, the tutors underwent training in eight comprehensive modules covering modern pedagogical strategies, gender and diversity inclusion, ICT integration, mentorship, leadership, and practical school-based teaching.
Dean of IED, EA, Prof Jane Rarieya, hailed the tutors’ achievements during the graduation ceremony on September 23, 2025.
“You have explored and critically reflected on new and improved pedagogical strategies, embraced action research as a powerful tool for change, and strengthened your mentorship skills to better support student teachers during their school practice.
You have walked the path of inquiry, collaboration and leadership, and in doing so, you have set a standard for what it means to be a tutor in 21st-century Tanzania,” she’s quoted in a media statement.
The programme went beyond traditional training. Tutors engaged in the creation of a Makerspace Hub, a centre fostering creativity and resourcefulness through gender-responsive, low or no-cost teaching aids.
The hub is already serving as a model for neighbouring schools, demonstrating the project’s focus on sustainable, community-driven innovation.
Regional Academic Education Officer, Mr Kulwa James, who represented the Lindi Regional Education Officer at the ceremony, emphasised the project’s alignment with government efforts to enhance teacher quality.
“Last year, some of you were deployed to train teachers across various councils, and this year we plan to expand the initiative further.
The skills you have gained will not be confined to this institution; they will ripple across the region, strengthening education at all levels,” he said.
Mr James lauded the tutors for their dedication to professional growth.
“It is no small feat to return to the classroom as a learner. You have recognised the importance of continuous development and emerged stronger and more prepared to lead. You are now like new graduates, equipped with both knowledge and practical experience,” he added.
Project Manager for F4L, Dr Nyagwegwe Wango, highlighted the tangible impact of the initiative.
“Nachingwea TTC has produced exemplary tutors who are now collaborating with school heads to enhance teaching quality across Lindi,” he said.
He added: “We have seen significant improvements in classroom practices, mentorship, and leadership among educators, and this is the return on the investment made by Aga Khan University,” he noted.
The F4L project complements the Tanzanian government’s broader policies aimed at improving teaching quality, such as the Education and Training Policy (2023) and the Education Sector Development Plans (2025–2030).
While the government has made strides in expanding access to education, experts argue that improving the quality of teaching is equally critical.
An education expert, Dr Haruna Mhina, stressed the significance of such partnerships.
“Government interventions are crucial, but initiatives like F4L bring specialised support, mentorship training, and innovative practices that strengthen the education ecosystem,” he noted.
“They ensure that teacher education is not only accessible but also responsive to the demands of modern classrooms.”
As Tanzania strives to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of inclusive and equitable quality education, programmes like F4L play a critical role in preparing educators capable of transforming learning experiences across the country.
By investing in tutors, AKU IED is not just improving individual careers; it is shaping the future of Tanzania’s education sector.
“Education does not change the world. Education changes people. People change the world,” Prof Rarieya reminded the graduates, echoing the words of Paulo Freire.
