Africa-Press – Tanzania. SCIENCE teachers from secondary schools in Lindi Region have called on the government and private sector to provide more support for young scientists and their innovative projects, which aim to offer practical solutions to socio-economic challenges facing the country.
Speaking at the fourth annual Lindi Science and Technology Exhibition, organised by Young Scientists Tanzania (YST), the teachers said many promising student-led research projects fail to progress due to a lack of institutional backing and funding.
“One of the biggest challenges facing young scientists is the lack of institutional support. Many innovative projects disappear simply because there’s no system in place to nurture or sustain them,” said Juma Ligana, a science teacher at Kibutuka Secondary School in Liwale District.
Eliya Mayala, a science teacher at Nachingwea Secondary School, echoed the concerns, highlighting that student-led research projects often address realworld challenges and offer practical solutions.
He reiterated the need for both the government and the private sector to step in and ensure such innovations are developed and implemented. Mr Ligana further explained that several researchbased solutions created under the YST programme have shown great potential but eventually stalled due to inadequate follow-up and support mechanisms.
“We have seen many promising projects from our students under YST. Unfortunately, without further mentorship or funding, these innovations rarely make it past the exhibition stage,” he said.
Officiating at the event, Lindi District Commissioner Ms Victoria Mwanziva expressed the government’s commitment to identifying and supporting promising innovations presented by young scientists.
“The regional government will review all the showcased projects with the aim of supporting and developing the most impactful ones. These innovations can generate real solutions for our communities,” Ms Mwanziva said.
She added that the government supports the YST programme by fostering an enabling environment in which young innovators can explore their potential and contribute to the country’s development goals.
YST Programme Manager Mr Nabil Karatekas applauded Lindi Region for its strong commitment to advancing youth innovation and technology skills.
“Lindi has stood out as one of the most determined regions in nurturing scientific and technological talents among young people. This commitment is essential for regional and national development,” he said.
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