Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region – Residents of the Kilimanjaro region have commended the Tanzanian government for its efforts to promote inclusive education, ensuring equal learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities.

The praise follows an initiative by the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, and Coordination, Ms. Ummy Nderiananga, to provide wheelchairs, essential school supplies, and create an inclusive learning environment for children with disabilities in the Moshi District Council.

During a visit to the district, Ms. Nderiananga emphasized President Samia Suluhu Hassan's commitment to ensuring all children, regardless of their physical abilities, receive quality education. "President Samia has provided these wheelchairs to ensure children with disabilities can attend school. We are also providing exercise books, bags, and pens to ensure they are fully prepared for the start of the academic year," she said.

Ms. Nderiananga commended the Moshi District Council for its efforts in supporting people with disabilities, urging other councils to emulate their inclusivity initiatives. Addressing parents and guardians, she emphasized the potential of children with disabilities and encouraged them not to lose hope.

"These children are capable of achieving great things," she said. "President Samia has allocated funds to procure learning and teaching materials for students with disabilities from primary schools to universities. Last month, I distributed specialized learning materials to 19 universities, including those in Zanzibar. This initiative aims to provide students with the necessary tools to succeed in their studies."

Ms. Nderiananga urged the community to stop hiding children with disabilities, highlighting the government's ongoing efforts to improve the education sector and ensure equal opportunities for all.

Challenges and Support

Earlier, Mr. Innocent Kahoko, Special Needs Education Officer in Moshi District, presented a report outlining challenges faced by schools, including inadequate and dilapidated infrastructure for students with intellectual disabilities. He also noted that three employees with disabilities in the district require specialized equipment to enhance their job performance.

Revised Academic Calendar

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology recently unveiled the official academic calendar for early childhood, primary, and secondary schools for the 2025 academic year. Education Circular No. 03 of 2024 replaces an earlier version and incorporates adjustments to ensure efficient academic scheduling while aligning with national priorities, including the 2025 general elections.

The academic year will commence on January 13, 2025, and consist of two terms. The first term will run from January 13 to July 8, with a midterm break from April 11 to 22, 2025.

Dr. Lyabwene Mtahabwa, Commissioner for Education in the Ministry, emphasized the importance of adhering to the calendar to maintain the quality of education and ensure students have a balanced academic year. "The revised calendar ensures that teaching and learning activities are completed on time, avoiding rushed plans that could deprive students of valuable rest and participation in family and community activities," he said.