Tanzanian Education Experts Gather to Discuss Lifelong Learning at National Conference

Tanzanian Education Experts Gather to Discuss Lifelong Learning at National Conference

450 education experts from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar convened in Dar es Salaam for a national conference on lifelong learning education to discuss the role of adult education and informal education in societal and national development. Organized by the Adult Education Institute (TEWW), the conference, launched on March 1, 2024, by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Carolyn Nombo, representing Education Minister Prof. Adolf Mkenda, aims to address enhancements to the 2014 Education and Training Policy and curriculum reforms to encompass all education delivery systems, not just formal ones.

Prof. Nombo stated that the Sixth Phase Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is committed to ensuring improvements in all education delivery systems, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning for all Tanzanians to foster a culture of self-learning and development within the context of lifelong education.

Abdul Maulid, Director of Primary Education at the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, highlighted that lifelong learning education in the current century extends beyond basic literacy and numeracy to encompass continuous and flexible learning systems, comprising formal education, informal education, and adult education.

"Educating without limits is crucial due to ongoing changes... This issue is critical as it also involves the ability to master 21st-century skills, including literacy, learning, and life skills," he emphasized.

Michael Ng'umbi, Head of the Adult Education Institute, emphasized the institute's commitment to lifelong learning education, stating that the conference enables them to provide education more effectively in line with current needs.

The conference discussed policy and training enhancements, legal perspectives on adult and informal education, stakeholder engagement in implementing lifelong learning education, experiences from other countries, and the implementation of lifelong learning education within the context of the new education policy.

Participants hailed from various government institutions, international organizations, and education development stakeholders.