DAY 1

DVV International celebrates International Literacy Week and launches the Kibaha CLC in Kibaha, Coastal Region.

The theme for this year’s International Literacy Day is: “DEVELOPING LITERACY FOR A CHANGING WORLD: BUILDING THE FOUNDATION OF A SUSTAINABLE AND PEACEFUL SOCIETY."

To commemorate the occasion, Kibaha District, in partnership with DVV International and other adult education and development stakeholders inaugurated a Community Learning Centre (CLC) in Mtambani Ward at Ruvu JKT Primary School on October 11. The guest of honour was the Director of Education from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST). They were joined by the Kibaha District Commissioner and other key officials from the MoEST and the President’s Office. Adult learners recited poems, out-of-school youth sang songs, and the attendees were treated to an excellent drama session that raised awareness about the importance of adult learning and education (ALE). Five media houses covered the event, with wide coverage on television, radio, and the print media.

During the event, the Regional Director of DVV International stated that this was the fourth CLC to be launched in the country (Kisarawe, Kongwa, and Mpwapwa are others). She said that the kick-off of this CLC in Kibaha would provide opportunities to youth and adult learners to acquire and strengthen skills that will contribute to socio-economic growth and sustained livelihoods.

The CLC is located in Mtambani Ward, which has a population of 12,427 comprised of 2,860 households across five villages. Currently, there are 20 adult learners’ groups with a total of 360 learners. Their activities include agriculture and livestock farming, poultry farming, as well as production of batiks, soap, and knitted goods.

Day 2

The International Literacy Week Conference

DVV International participated in the one-day ILW conference attended by key government officials from various districts and regions around the country. The conference was officially opened after the guest of honour following opening remarks from the Director for Basic Education of MoEST. He cited statistics regarding the growing number of illiterate populations in Tanzania, and the urgency to intervene and create programmes and projects that respond to their their needs. This was followed by some panel discussions.

Panel session 1: The importance of Adult and Non-Formal Education in Tanzania, moderated by Dr. Philipo Sanga.

Key speakers included:

Dr. Kanukisya from the University of Dar Es Salaam (UDSM), who shared an excerpt of his article “Perceptions and misconceptions of Adult Learning and Education;”

Matteo Mwita of DVV International shared information on how DVV International in Tanzania is contributing towards professionalization of ANFE in Tanzania. He spoke about the Curriculum Globale training of trainers held this year, sharing the learning outcomes and objectives of the trainings, and the potential impact that these can have on the quality of service delivery of ANFE in Tanzania.

The official from President’s Office – Regional Administrative, and Local Government (PoRALG) focused on service delivery, while the Quality Assurance Officer from MoEST shared information on some key aspects and processes, and the tools used to monitor ANFE across Tanzania;

Dr. Mwaikokosya from the UDSM gave an overview of the priority focus areas related to gender, inclusion, digital technologies, and other cross-cutting thematic areas that must be considered when rolling out ANFE in Tanzania.

Panel session 2: Key stakeholders and their contribution towards promoting ALE in Tanzania, moderated by Dr. Philipo Sanga, UDSM.

Panellists included Civil Society Organizations and members of government. The Executive Director of Karibu Tanzania Organization (KTO) opened the session by sharing information on the main interventions that KTO are implementing across Tanzania, especially its involvement in system strengthening for non-formal education through close collaborative efforts with the Vocational Education Training (VETA). He spoke about the joint implementation strategies are in place to support Folk Development Colleges (FDCs), their strategic planning and learning outcomes, and how the organization, in partnership with government, is seeking innovative solutions to respond to the needs of youth and adult learners.

The Regional Monitoring Officer from the Tanzania Education Network (TENMET) gave an overview of their membership, which comprises more than 200 organisations across the country. He shared that ANFE is now within their strategic mandate and they are promoting and advocating for the rights of youth and adult learners to access quality education that meets their needs.

Day 3: The ILW Closing ceremony.

The different organizations welcomed the high-level dignitaries present to their exhibitions. The day started with the Deputy Permanent Secretary visiting the DVV International stand. Adult learners’ groups displayed their colourful batiks, and various food products. The stand was also visited by the Honourable Minister for Education who showed a keen interest in the learners’ groups, and was eager to learn more about the work of DVV International in Tanzania.

To end of the ceremony, dignitaries from civil society and UN agencies joined the Minister at the high table as Matteo Mwita from DVV International gave an overview of the work of DVV International in Tanzania and shared information on the implementation strategy for CLCs in Dodoma and the Coastal regions.

In the closing remarks, the Minister stated that he is very keen to see ANFE prioritized in Tanzania’s development Agenda. He once again emphasised the importance of ANFE in Tanzania, citing statistics on youth and adult illiteracy in the country. He stressed that the DAEOs are mandated to support and promote ANFE, and that the key areas being emphasised include improved facilities and quality service delivery. He thanked all who attended the ceremony, and thanked DVV International and KTO for their contributions to ANFE in Tanzania. He invited DVV International to meet with him in the future to prioritise ANFE as a specific agenda. DVV International supported the planning and implementation of ILW, and provided resources of the event, as well as participating actively on the ILW Steering Committee led by MoEST.