PREPARATIONS for the Education and Training Policy, 2023 edition have been completed, with the launching expected at the end of this month.

Prof Adolf Mkenda, the Education, Science and Technology minister, made this affirmation in a press conference here yesterday, noting that the updated policy includes an improved curriculum endorsed by the cabinet in October 2023 and is partially being implemented.

“Both the new policy and curriculum are designed to be fully integrative and holistic, with equal emphasis placed on all subjects and learning domains, from mathematics to sports,” he stated. 

“The education sector is undergoing significant reforms, as we have already started implementing the new policy and curriculum since January 2024,” he elaborated.

The changes have been rolled out for pre-primary education, primary school grades one to three, and form one in secondary schools, following consultations with stakeholders, he said.

Some of the key issues raised by stakeholders include the use of English as the primary medium of instruction, and a stronger focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), he explained.

The policy review and curriculum changes resulted from guidelines from President Samia Suluhu Hassan in a major address to the National Assembly in April 2021, directing a review of the 2014 education policy.

She emphasised that national curricula reform is crucial to producing a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the country’s industries and services, the minister noted.

The new curriculum is structured across five educational stages: 1+6+4+2+3+3+, explained as one year of pre-primary education, six years of primary school, four years of ordinary secondary education, two years of advanced secondary or three years of technical education, and three years of tertiary or higher education, he stated.

Thorough and complete implementation of all aspects of the policy will be vital, as past education policies had suffered from incomplete execution despite their promising potential, he declared.

Implementation would proceed in phases to ensure progress and avoid any regression, he said, noting that this is also an opportunity for other stakeholders, including the private sector, to contribute towards enhancing the country’s education system and making it more productive.

The Education and Training Policy, 2023 edition, represents a significant shift in the country’s education framework and is expected to revolutionise the sector. The government is committed to its effective implementation with all stakeholders needing to work collaboratively to make the vision a reality, he added.