In a significant step toward enhancing Adult and Non-Formal Education (ANFE) systems across Tanzania, the Office of the President, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) hosted a two-day Working Session for Regional Adult Education and Special Needs Education Officers at the Golden Crest Hotel in Mwanza from 8th to 9th April 2025. This strategic workshop aimed to discuss and develop actionable strategies for strengthening Adult and Non-Formal Education (ANFE) across Tanzania.

Opening the event, the Assistant Director of Adult and Special Needs Education from PO-RALG, Mr. Ernest Hinju, emphasized the Tanzanian government’s commitment to advancing adult education, reiterating the importance of establishing and operationalizing Community Learning Centres (CLCs) in every district. He highlighted these centres as essential hubs for adult education, skill development, and community empowerment.

During his address, Mr. Hinju recognized the significant contributions of international and local stakeholders, notably DVV International, for their instrumental role in piloting successful adult education projects in the regions of Dodoma and Pwani. Mr. Hinju encouraged regional officers to undertake learning visits to Dodoma and Pwani, where successful CLC pilot projects, supported by DVV International, are already making significant impacts.

Operational Community Learning Centres are pivotal in addressing educational needs and driving community empowerment. We invite all regions to learn from our experiences in Dodoma and Pwani and replicate these successful initiatives.

The workshop featured an in-depth discussion on various strategic areas essential for strengthening ANFE systems. These included the development and implementation of inclusive curricula designed specifically for learners with special needs and expanding the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT, known locally as TEHAMA) to improve adult education delivery methods.

Participants also deliberated on the significance of learner-centred approaches, such as the Integrated Community-Based Adult Education (ICBAE) programme and REFLECT methodologies, strongly advocated by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST). These methodologies aim to engage learners actively, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skill acquisition directly applicable to improving community livelihoods.

Key resolutions from the workshop included:

• Ensuring each district proactively establishes and maintains operational Community Learning Centres.
• Promoting capacity-building visits and exchanges to successful pilot districts (Dodoma and Pwani) to replicate best practices.
• Enhancing the integration of ICT to extend reach, efficiency, and effectiveness in adult education and special needs programs.
• Strengthening coordination between national and district-level education officers to facilitate the comprehensive implementation of adult education programs.

Participants also engaged in comprehensive discussions around improving infrastructure to better support learners with special needs, continuous professional development for ANFE educators, and strategies for effective community engagement and sensitization.

The successful implementation of these strategies aims to significantly improve adult education outcomes, ensuring inclusive and equitable learning opportunities for all Tanzanians.