Hopes for another support from China to boost vocational training in Tanzania

There are hopes for the Vocational Educational and Training Authority (VETA) to receive another support from the People’s Republic of China for boosting vocational training in Tanzania.

Recently the government of China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Tanzania in which it committed Tshs 24bil for construction of Bukoba Regional Vocational Training and Service centre in Kagera region.

Once again, the China government has appointed AVIC International Holding Corporation to undertake a study of vocational training in the country, identify gaps and propose areas where China government can intervene with support.

Currently, a team of officials from AVIC are conducting a reconnaissance survey of selected VETA centres and gathering information and data to be used in development of a project proposal for support.

The probable options for support are rehabilitation and upgrading of existing VETA centres, equipping training workshops or construction of new training centres.

“This is due to recognition of the China government that vocational training has significant meaning to the government of Tanzania,” said Tony Li, Chief Representative of AVIC International in Tanzania.

Since 8th to 11th January 2019 the team is visiting Dar es Salaam RTVSC, VETA Kipawa centre of ICT, VETA Arusha (Oljoro) and VETA Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (VHTTI)-Njiro to see the workshops situation, general infrastructure of the centres and discuss with management team members of the centres. Next week, the team plans to proceed with visit to VETA Mtwara.  

Members of the team expressed interest in the training programmes and general situation of the centres which they have already visited while stating that they have learnt a lot of opportunities which can be exploited for improving access to quality vocational training in the country.

The Director General of VETA, Dr. Pancras Bujulu appreciated China’s intention for further support to VETA and highlighted some of the areas which the Authority need support as plans to strengthen some VETA centres to become specialized in particular occupations including agriculture, animal husbandry, transport and logistics, and leather goods. 

AVIC International is company owned by the China central government and is engaged in civil aviation, construction and technical and vocational education and training.

In vocational training the company has extensive experience in providing a range of services including, college and campus design and planning; construction of civil works, curriculum development and teaching material design; teaching staff training; equipment supply, installation and commissioning; assessment and certification and financing solution.

“For every vocational training project, we offer you a total solution package,” said Li,

The company has implemented TVET projects in Kenya, Gabon, Uganda, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Costa Rica and Laos.