Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UNICEF announced a new partnership to support the transformative Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and digital skills education agendas in Tanzania.
The 5.8 million US dollars (about 15bn/- ) initiative, funded by KOICA, was signed yesterday by the KOICA Country Director of Tanzania office, Manshik Shin and UNICEF Deputy Representative (Operations), Lawrence Oundo, on behalf of UNICEF Representative to Tanzania.
The initiative will expand learning opportunities for secondary school students by enhancing access to practical STEM education and digital tools.
Through this initiative, UNICEF will construct and equip science and ICT laboratories in 13 secondary schools across Dodoma and Simiyu regions, ensuring students have access to modern, hands-on learning environments.
The programme also includes a professional development component for STEM teachers, with a focus on empowering female educators as role models.
“We believe that investing in STEM and digital skills will play a key role in shaping Tanzania’s future as envisioned in Vision 2050. By expanding inclusive STEM education and empowering teachers, this partnership not only addresses current educational gaps but also contributes directly to building the innovation driven and knowledge based economy that Vision 2050 aspires to,” said Mr Shin, Country Director of KOICA Tanzania office.
Tanzania faces ongoing challenges in STEM education, including limited infrastructure and a shortage of qualified teachers.
Only 32 per cent of public secondary schools currently have fully functional science laboratories, restricting students’ ability to engage in practical, skills based learning.
This partnership aims to close those gaps and encourage more students, especially girls, to pursue careers in STEM fields.
“This partnership marks a significant step in equipping Tanzania’s youth with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and technology-driven world,” said Mr Oundo, adding; “By investing in STEM, digital skills and the necessary teacher training and infrastructure, we are supporting Tanzania to build the skilled human capital the country will need to drive the inclusive and innovative growth transformation toward Vision 2050.”
Through this partnership, KOICA and UNICEF aim to support Tanzania’s 2050 vision of becoming an upper middle-income country by equipping young people with 21st century skills in STEM and digital fields.
The partnership reflects KOICA and UNICEF’s shared commitment to supporting the National Education Sector Plan, specifically advancing quality education and promoting innovation in Tanzania.
The cooperation will be implemented over the next two years, with continuous monitoring to measure its impact on students’ academic performance and career prospects.
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