Those who added voice yesterday included Prof Issa Shivji of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and Tanzania’s business tycoon Rostam Aziz.
The Seif Sharif Hamad annual conference is an event organized by the Maalim Seif Foundation (MSF) aimed at promoting his legacy of upholding democracy and its ideals.
Other issues include engagement in programmes that contribute to reconciliation, mutual respect, conflict resolution, peaceful coexistence, harmony and cooperation among individuals.
Speaking during the two-day event in Zanzibar, Prof Shivji said the current education system required major shake ups in order to meet the present demands.
The retired UDSM don said failure in reforming the country’s education systems would turn Tanzania into a country whose people are lacking in skills and critical thinking.
“The situation isn’t good on the ground because the present system doesn’t provide context for issues. Therefore, we should thoroughly contemplate this issue,” he said.
Mr Aziz seconded Prof Shivji saying major reforms in the sector should aim at teaching and building the capacity of children.
“We should review how we teach our children and the means we use at getting teachers for our schools. We should look at the curriculum used both in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar that fulfilled demands of the past,” he said.
But, he also castigated the government for allowing some unscrupulous foreigners masquerading as traders.
He urged the government to act. He gave an example of cases in Mafinga and Mtwara where these ‘traders’ have been peddling merchandise on streets, starting casinos and engaging in small business under the guise of ‘foreign investors’.
The calls for reforming the education system come at a time the government through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology was spearheading review of the education policy.
In their views, some stakeholders have suggested that basic and compulsory education should be extended to Form Four.
According to stakeholders Standard Seven in the new arrangement needs to be scrapped so that primary school pupils would switch to secondary education after completion of Standard Six.
Opening the event, Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman said there was a need to reflect, assess and find out if issues that were fought for by the legendary politician and father of reconciliation politics Seif Sharif Hamad were being upheld.
Switzerland Ambassador to Tanzania Didier Chassot said Mr Hamad would be remembered for his civilised politics that discouraged violence, discrimination and bullying.
Mr Hamad passed away on February 17, 2021 at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), where he was receiving treatment.
(Reported by Bakari Kiango, Jesse Mikofu and Gadiosa Lamtey)
Share this news
This Year’s Most Read News Stories
Will Tanzania agree to Starlink Internet Service?
Will the Tanzania government let Starlink, the world-famous internet service provider, operate in the country?Continue Reading
Tanzania’s opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy
Unguja. Opposition party ACT Wazalendo today officially bids farewell to its former Chairman, Juma Duni Haji, also known as Babu Duni, as part of a new policy designed to honor retired senior leaders at a ceremony held at Kiembesamaki, Zanzibar.
The initiative highlights the party’s commitment to recognizing and supporting individuals who have served with dedication and integrity.
Babu Duni, who stepped down earlier this year, was succeeded by Othman Masoud, now the First Vice President of Zanzibar.
The policy aims to provide ongoing respect and support to retired leaders, ensuring their continued recognition and contribution to the party’s development.
“Recognizing their significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the party, this policy ensures that retired leaders continue to be acknowledged and respected by both the party and the community,” the policy states.
To benefit from this policy, leaders must not have left or been expelled from the party. They must have served the party with honor and dedication. The national leadership committee will determine whether a leader has fulfilled these criteria.
The policy seeks to honor retired leaders, protect their dignity, acknowledge their contributions, leverage their ideas for the party’s growth, and support them to the best of the party’s ability.
In honoring these leaders, the party will provide a vehicle, the type of which will be determined by the national leadership committee. Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance, with the amount also set by this committee.
Other benefits include health insurance. If a leader does not own a home, the party will cover their rent at a rate decided by the committee.
The leadership committee may also grant special recognition based on the leader’s contributions. Retired leaders will participate in decision-making meetings according to procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.
Depending on the party’s resources at the time, the policy may also apply to retired deputy chairpersons for both the mainland and Zanzibar, the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General for both mainland and Zanzibar, and the party’s Attorney General.
Additionally, leaders, executives, or members with exceptional contributions to the party’s protection, advocacy, and defense may also benefit, as determined by the leadership committee.
Currently, those who are eligible for benefits under this policy include Juma Duni Haji (retired party Chairman) and Zitto Kabwe (retired party leader).Continue Reading
For years, a UK mining giant was untouchable in Zambia for pollution until a former miner’s son took them on
For years, the people in the villages around Chingola in Zambia endured frequent health challenges and dead fish floating around in their water source, but that was just the beginning of their nightmare.Continue Reading
