Tanzania commends China, UNESCO for supporting higher technical education in Africa

DAR ES SALAAM, June 14 (Xinhua)

The Tanzanian government on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for continuing to support the development of higher technical education in Africa.

William-Andey Lazaro Anangisye, vice chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam, on behalf of Carolyne Nombo, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, said China and UNESCO have been supporting the development of higher technical education in Africa through the UNESCO-China Funds-in-Trust (CFIT) Project, now on its third phase.

Opening the 2023 annual three-day meeting for UNESCO-China Funds-in-Trust Project Phase III (CFIT III) at the University of Dar es Salaam, Anangisye said the project is aimed at enhancing the capacity of higher education institutions in developing labor market-oriented teaching and competency-based learning, and strengthening linkages between universities and industries.

The project is being implemented over four years with a total budget of 7.5 million U.S. dollars in Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gabon, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Michel Toto, UNESCO representative to Tanzania, said in Tanzania, the University of Dar es Salaam and the Mbeya University of Science and Technology are direct beneficiaries of the CFIT III Project.

"Through collaboration with partners, these universities are shaping a learning environment that prepares students for the workforce," said Toto.

He added that by prioritizing curriculum enhancement, competency-based assessment, and industry engagement, the two higher learning institutions ensure that graduates have the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in their fields.

Chen Mingjian, the Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, said according to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Dakar Action Plan (2022-2024), Phase III of the UNESCO-China Funds-in-Trust has been successful and made notable achievements.

By providing funding, China helps promote the development of information technology and improve capacity building and the training level of educational institutions and personnel in African countries, she said. "The overall objectives of CFIT III will be effectively realized, and hand-in-hand, we all can contribute to making a bright future for African youth and also a bright future for Africa," said the Chinese ambassador.