The government of Tanzania continues to make concerted efforts to fight against illiteracy in the country, improve the quality of education, and ensure lifelong learning for all. The new Education and Training Policy (2023) underscores the significance of education throughout one’s life and promotes investment in adult and non-formal education, which is an integral part of lifelong learning.

The Institute of Adult Education (IAE), together with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), has been organizing a series of conferences to raise awareness of Adult Learning and Education (ALE) in the country, and encourage greater participation of both state and non-state actors. These conferences serve as forums for technical discussions, resource sharing and mobilisation, and the exchange of expertise and experiences on best practices in adult education.

A significant step in this ongoing effort was the National Conference on Lifelong Learning, which took place on, March 1st, 2024, at Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre (JNICC) in Dar Es Salaam. Organized by the IAE, the conference brought together stakeholders from all sectors and levels of education and training to discuss effective approaches to ALE within the context of lifelong learning. The conference served as a dynamic platform for discussion and dialogue to raise awareness that enabled participants to collaboratively identify measures to address existing gaps in adult and non-formal education.

DVV International Regional Director Frauke Heinze shared information about DVV International’s ongoing collaborative efforts with the MoEST and the IAE in the field of ALE. Emphasizing adult education as a core component of lifelong learning, she highlighted its role in ensuring that adults participate not only in the workforce to address current and future skills challenges, but also in wider society beyond labour concerns:

“Adult education goes beyond literacy. It means enabling the provision of tailor-made and demand-oriented knowledge and skills development opportunities for adults which are affordable and easily accessible. It is an essential instrument in tackling current and future skills challenges”.

The event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Guest of Honour, the Honourable Permanent Secretary Prof. Carolyne Nombo. Also present was the Director of the Institute of Adult Education Prof. Michael Ng’umbi, Chairperson of the Adult Education Council, Directors from the MoEST and the President's Office, Regional Administration, Local Government, Members of Parliament, UNICEF representatives, and other education stakeholders and development partners. Members of the MoEST from Zanzibar also attended.

Some key takeaways from the Conference Included:

• The importance of embedding inclusivity and promoting gender equality in all ALE programmes and activities.
• A recommendation was made for the Government, particularly through the MoEST, to recognize indigenous education, and innovations from individuals, shifting focus from formal education certificates to also recognise non-formal education.
• Stakeholders urged greater integration of science and technology in ALE programs to facilitate effective distance learning aligned with global developments.
• There was a call for increased research efforts to assess diverse learner needs, and the establishment of apprenticeship programmes to equip learners with more access to functional and practical skills.
• Highlighting the importance of investment in user-friendly learning materials and teaching aids was identified as a key factor for the success of adult learning education programmes.
• There was a suggestion to re-evaluate the term "Adult Education" to better align it with current trends and to include various types of learners, both youth and adults.

The National Conference on Lifelong Learning marked a crucial step in nurturing collaboration among different stakeholders, including development partners, and the MOEST. It was an opportunity to share expertise and help to shape the future of adult education and lifelong learning by paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible educational landscape.