The Tanzanian government's Early Childhood and Primary Education Infrastructure Improvement Project (BOOST) has begun transforming the country's education sector through the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The project involves constructing smart classrooms, purchasing ICT equipment, and providing training to teachers and students across all 26 regions nationwide. This initiative aims to improve the teaching and learning system, enabling a single teacher to instruct students in more than one school at the same time.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office-Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) Dr. Festo Dugange recently visited Mwanza region to witness the impact of smart classrooms and smartboards. He noted that the use of this technology has simplified teaching, increased teacher efficiency, and expanded opportunities for students to access quality education regardless of their location. During the visit, Dr. Dugange saw a teacher instructing students at Samia and Kanemwa primary schools, located in different wards, simultaneously using this technology.
The BOOST project has made significant investments in Mwanza region, with 26 schools built and equipped with ICT facilities. At Samia Primary School, the government provided over Sh 200 million for the construction of 10 classrooms and the purchase of learning and teaching materials. Similarly, at Kigongo Primary School in Misungwi District, Dr. Dugange inspected infrastructure built at a cost of Sh 141 million, including a smart classroom and a modern early childhood classroom equipped with state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities.
The project has brought improvements to the education sector through infrastructure and technology investments, according to Mwanza Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr. Fatma Mganga. The Headmaster of Samia Primary School, Chacha Joseph, said the school's smart classroom contains 20 computers and one smartboard, enhancing the use of technology in teaching and learning while building the capacity of teachers and students to utilize ICT in educational activities.
The use of ICT in schools has mitigated teacher shortages, enabled one teacher to instruct more than one school at a time, and improved teachers' personnel records, according to Silvano Pamba, an ICT teacher at Kigongo Primary School. Students are gaining basic computer skills, learning digitally, and practicing various subjects. The technology has also increased student enthusiasm for learning, with Mwanza Region ranking second nationally in last year's Primary School Leaving Examination pass rates.
Residents and students have welcomed the upgrades, citing improved learning environments and access to quality education equal to that offered in urban areas. Misungwi resident George Ngole said the upgrades have allowed children to study in a better environment and receive quality education. Fifth-grade student Witness Kigongo said the smart classroom has helped her learn faster and acquire more knowledge in using ICT.
The project has eliminated poor classroom infrastructure by constructing modern rooms that meet student needs, according to Kasene resident Hellena Kafipa. The government's investment in ICT technology has prepared students to keep pace with global technological changes, with Charles Mayela, a member of the Mkapa Street Government, thanking President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for recognizing the importance of ICT in education.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government's BOOST project is transforming the education sector through ICT technology, improving teaching and learning systems nationwide.
- The project has enabled a single teacher to instruct students in more than one school at the same time, addressing teacher shortages.
- The initiative has improved student access to quality education, increased teacher efficiency, and enhanced student performance in their studies.
