THE Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has provided specialised training for early childhood teachers from various schools in Dar es Salaam Region to enhance the delivery of education.

The initiative is being implemented collaboratively with the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government through the Boost Primary Pupil Learning Project (BOOST).

Speaking during the opening of the training in Dar es Salaam recently, Dr Wilson Mahera, the deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said that the training is also part of the implementation of the Education and Training Policy of 2014 and its revisions in 2023.

Dr Mahera said the training is designed to improve teaching methods for early childhood teachers, who play a critical role in a child’s development at this foundational level of education.

“Through the BOOST project, we aim to invest in early childhood education by preparing a quality framework called the Quality Early Learning Package. This will align learning content with developmental stages and ensure that various guidelines, including those for operations and standards in early education, are implemented to provide quality education from the very start,” he said.

He added that the project aims to increase the number of enrolled children, improve classroom facilities, and ensure that children receive nutritious meals while at school.

Hawa Selemeni, BOOST coordinator, highlighted that the project will work to ensure that early childhood pupils benefit.

“We recognise the importance of hands-on learning and engaging activities. We have empowered teachers to create teaching aids for counting and reading, which will help children develop creativity in their daily lives,” she said.

She also addressed the shortage of early childhood teachers, urging the government to ensure that new hires include those who will teach young children.

Golden Hinju, an early childhood teacher from Mbezi Primary School remarked that the BOOST project has significantly improved teaching effectiveness, enabling children to grasp concepts more quickly through innovative methods.

“Through this project, we have received teaching materials, learned new techniques and built new classrooms. This has helped us nurture children to become good leaders in the future and to foster creativity in their everyday lives,” Hinju said.