Government Mandates ICT Installation in 26 Science Schools

ARUSHA: DEPUTY Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (RALG) responsible for Education, Ruben Kwagilwa, has instructed that all 26 special science schools are immediately equipped with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems to simplify teaching. Mr Kwagilwa also instructed the relevant authorities to address the shortage of science teachers in the country. He gave the instructions on Friday during an inspection visit to Longido Samia Girls’ Secondary School, Arusha Region, where he inspected the teaching environment and witnessed the implementation of infrastructure projects including roads being built by the Tanzania Urban and Rural Roads Agency (TARURA). Mr Kwagilwa also directed the schools to use clean energy, noting that the government has already completed the installation of clean energy infrastructure in various learning institutions. He said the proper use of ICT will increase teaching efficiency, reduce the shortage of teachers, especially in science subjects and increase student achievement. “Through TEHAMA, the government will collaborate with Hombolo Government College in Dodoma region to ensure that the infrastructure are installed in schools so that students can continue to study hard even when teachers are few,” he said. He added that ICT programmes will help students to understand lessons more easily in the classroom and improve performance. In another directive, Mr Kwagilwa banned the use of firewood in all schools connected to clean energy, urging schools nationwide to abandon firewood and adopt clean energy for cooking. “Cooking with firewood is prohibited in all schools that are already connected to clean energy. The use of clean energy is a national agenda,” he said. He also instructed regional, district and directorate education heads to closely supervise the registration and reporting of primary and secondary school students, calling for action to identify and address the challenges faced by students who have not yet reported to school. On the allocation of secondary school students, the Deputy Minister directed the Arusha Regional Education Office to ensure that qualified students from Longido District are admitted to Longido Samia Girls’ Secondary School, instead of being placed in schools outside the district, despite the school being located within their area. Earlier, Deputy Minister for Minerals Stephen Kiruswa called for the renovation of old schools in the district in line with the government budget. ALSO READ: TNCC launches 2026 climate policy to promote sustainable business practices He also urged the construction of secondary schools in Engikareti and Naandototo wards and appealed for students from pastoralist communities to be accommodated in boarding schools to reduce costs for parents and guardians. Meanwhile, Acting Arusha Regional Education Officer, Mr Emmanuel Mahundo said a total of 70,845 primary school students were expected to report for the new academic year, of whom 3,557 had reported by Friday. He added that 14,259 Form One students had also reported, with more still arriving. Earlier, the Principal of Longido Samia Girls’ Secondary School, Ms Esther Kobelo, said the school has a total of 681 students, including 159 Form One students, 120 Form Two students and 194 Form Five students. She appealed to the government to support the construction of a perimeter fence to protect students from wild animals such as elephants, hyenas and leopards that roam the area at night, noting that the project would cost 713.7m/-. “We thank the government for constructing this school, including the playground. Its establishment has significantly reduced overcrowding in secondary schools,” she said.