IN efforts aimed at transforming adult learning in the country, the government in collaboration with Germany-based DVV International, has unveiled a revised Integrated Community-Based Adult Education (ICBAE) Programme.

Originally developed in 1993 and implemented nationwide by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology in 1997, the ICBAE programme is a non-formal adult education initiative aimed at providing out-of-school youth and adults with access to basic education and skills development.

Speaking during the launch in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Monica Mpululu, assistant director of quality assurance at the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, said the programmes are designed to provide youth and adults who have not been able to finish school or have completed but have not received adequate education, access to basic education and opportunities for skills development based on current needs in the communities and labour market.

The key learning areas of the revised programme include literacy and post-literacy support, life skills, parenting and civic education, entrepreneurship and business skills, agriculture and livestock, health and nutrition, and pre-vocational skills development.

Mpululu highlighted that the new ICBAE framework adopts a competency-based curriculum that is learner-centred, demand-driven, and fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It also incorporates topics on gender equity, inclusion, environmental awareness and digitalisation.

Frauke Heinze, DVV International regional director, noted that the two-day event will provide detailed information on the updated learning areas, the programme’s implementation framework and the positive impacts of community learning centres, which serve as hubs for lifelong learning and ICBAE service delivery.

She said that the initiative marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout and active engagement with various stakeholders, including ministries, donors and civil society.

Additionally, the content of the original ICBAE programme had not been reviewed or updated to reflect current socioeconomic development and learner needs.

To address the challenges, DVV International facilitated the formation of a national technical working group. The group, which includes representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), the Institute of Adult Education, the Tanzania Education Network (TEN/MET), and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), led a comprehensive review and update of the ICBAE programme guidelines.

The revised programme guidelines and new competency-based learning components were developed based on research conducted by DVV International in collaboration with UDSM and the Institute of Adult Education.

German Ambassador to Tanzania Thomas Terstegen praised the initiative for its focus on local community engagement to address challenges and find solutions.

He expressed confidence that improved adult learning programmes will offer numerous opportunities and skills that contribute to the country’s development and sustainable livelihoods.

Michael Ng’umbi, Director of the Institute of Adult Education (IAE), thanked DVV International for its support in transforming adult education in the country.

He noted that the new programme and guidelines are expected to stimulate positive change in communities and enhance learning centres to meet the programme’s needs.

Jackson Mdima, Coordinator of a Community Learning Centre (CLC) in Hogoro Ward, Kongwa District, Dodoma Region, commended the initiative he said helps promote literacy and reduce poverty.

He called for continued coordinated efforts to expand access to alternative education and skills development, reaching more individuals in both rural and urban areas through adult learning centres.