Launching of the Revised ICBAE Programme: A Milestone for Adult Education in Tanzania

In the picture from the right, Frauke Heinze - Regional Director DVV International,  Ms. Faith Shayo – UNESCO, Mr. Thomas Terstegen - German Ambassador to Tanzania, Monica Mpululu – MoEST, Ernest Hinju – ADSNE, Dr. Naomi Katunzi - Council Chairperson IAE, Prof. Michael Ng'umbi - Rector - IAE

On August 13-14, 2024, a historic event unfolded at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. DVV International in cooperation with The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST), together with the Institute of Adult Education (IAE) officially launched and disseminated the reviewed Integrated Community-Based Adult Education (ICBAE) Programme Guidelines. This event marked a significant achievement in the development of adult education in Tanzania and signalled the start of the nationwide implementation of the updated ICBAE programme in communities.

The official day for Launch and Dissemination of the Programme Guidelines

This exciting two-day event convened high-level officials from partner ministries MoEST and PoRALG, as well as development partners such as UNESCO and USAID. Representatives from NGOs including CARE International, Mazingira Kwanza Foundation, Good Samaritans, CAMFED, Karibu Tanzania Organization (KTO), Folk Development Colleges (FDCs), and the Tanzania Education Network (TENMET) were also present. The occasion was graced by the German Ambassador to Tanzania, Thomas Terstegen, and the guest of honor Monica Mpululu – Acting Assistant Director of Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology.

"Life-long learning is a central building block for reducing poverty and infusion of equitable development in the society. But to achieve this more needs-based education opportunities must be made available for youth and adult in the disadvantaged groups of the population" said Thomas Terstegen, The German Ambassador to Tanzania.

To hear the speech from the German Ambassador to Tanzania during his speech at the official launch of the ICBAE Programme conference, please follow this link: https://youtu.be/RlbuwyA6Xz0

"I believe that the ICBAE Programme guidelines I am launching today will assist adult education practitioners and professionals in effectively implementing them. Ultimately, this will lead to a nation with highly literate youth and adults who can actively participate in development activities, think critically, and solve problems within their communities," stated Hon. Monica Mpululu, Assistant Director of Quality Assurance at MOEST.

To hear the full speech from Hon. Monica Mpululu, please click on the following link: https://youtu.be/ctd848b22s8

The first day started with keynote speeches introducing the framework for the reviewed ICBAE programme. S. Mjangila, former Director of Adult and Non-Formal Education (ANFE), emphasized the ongoing significance of the programme. Dr. B. Kanukisya provided insights from foundational research, and Prof. Ng’umbi outlined the main components of the revised guidelines.

"The newly revitalized ICBAE Programme emphasizes the need to strengthen ICBAE centers, with a key feature being the introduction of the Community Learning Center (CLC) model. The CLC serves as a one-stop center for youth and adult education, providing continuous education and lifelong learning opportunities that enhance personal, social, and economic development,” stated Prof. Michael Ng’umbi, Rector of the Institute of Adult Education.

To watch the speech from Prof. Ngu’mbi at the official launch of the ICBAE Programme conference, please follow this link: https://youtu.be/_nH_Ep6Ms48

The official launch included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting of a symbolic book by the guest of honor representing the Reviewed ICBAE Programme guidelines.

The second day focused on disseminating the new guidelines and engaging stakeholders in discussions about the implementation framework and the positive impact of Community Learning Centres (CLCs). Participants engaged in gallery walks through workstations, learning about the upgraded learning areas, implementation procedures, and the role of CLCs as hubs for lifelong learning and ICBAE service delivery. These interactive sessions fostered fruitful discussions, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the programme

What is the ICBAE Programme?

One may ask if it’s a new programme, but it is not, the ICBAE programme was initially introduced in 1993 as a four-year pilot project aimed at developing learner-centred and community-based learning methodologies for adults and out-of-school youth. Over the years, the programme expanded across the country, striving to provide equitable access to literacy and post-literacy education. Adopting the REFLECT (Regenerated Freirean Literacy through Empowering Community Techniques) approach, ICBAE integrated literacy education with problem-solving and socio-economic development issues. The programme's objectives were clear: to promote equitable access to quality basic education, enhance participation, and enable young people and adults to attain sustainable proficiency levels in literacy.

Despite its initial success, the programme faced challenges. Enrolment numbers, once robust, began to decline significantly from 1.2 million in 2009 to under 0.2 million in 2017. This decline prompted MoEST and IAE to reassess the programme and identify areas for improvement. DVV International supported two comprehensive studies conducted in 2022 by IAE and University of Dar es Salaam which revealed that the curriculum framework, had not been updated for nearly 29 years, needed revision to address the evolving needs of society.

A Collaborative Effort for revitalisation

DVV International facilitated a comprehensive review process. A technical working group comprising members from MoEST, PoRALG, IAE, UDSM, TENMET, and FDC. The updated guidelines stress the importance of non formal youth and adult education within the framework of lifelong learning, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to strengthen the nation's educational capacity for marginalized groups of society. The new ICBAE programme now includes functional literacy embedded in key learning areas such as life skills, entrepreneurship, agriculture, health, and pre-vocational skills development. These areas are designed to provide learners with the skills necessary for socio-economic transformation and personal growth.

Moving Forward: Expectations and Takeaways

The launch of the revised ICBAE programme marks the beginning of nationwide effort to revitalize adult education in Tanzania. The programme is community-based, with all planning and learning methods originating from the grassroots level. This means that the community takes charge of planning its development and determining the most suitable forms of learning to meet its needs. The program aims to improve participants' literacy and numeracy skills, deliver education tailored to local contexts, provide vocational skills training, and foster critical thinking and problem-solving.

"The ICBAE programme is a community-based programme because all its planning and learning approaches are bottom-up. This means that the community itself takes the lead in planning its development and determining the forms of learning that best meet its needs," noted Salim Mjangila, a former ANFE Director.

“This collaborative effort reflects a commitment to the continuous advancement of adult education programmes in Tanzania,” remarked Frauke Heinze, Regional Director of DVV International East/Horn of Africa.

To hear the full speech Frauke Heinze (DVV International), please click on the following link: https://youtu.be/lRe-OZuJIOk

As the nation progresses with the implementation of the revised programme guidelines, it is essential for all stakeholders to work together to realise the vision of a literate, empowered, and prosperous society. The involvement of various stakeholders, including Ministries, development partners, civil society organisations, NGOs, and the donor community, is crucial for the successful implementation of the ICBAE programme. By adopting a learner-centered and community-based approach, the programme aims to change lives, promote socio-economic development, and contribute to the overall growth of the nation.

Get a glimpse of the event through the video and pictures below.

Event Video

https://youtu.be/UB-wbu2GMZU

More Event Pictures

https://dvv-international.pixieset.com/officiallaunchanddisseminationoficbaeprogramme/

YOU ARE LEAVING DVV INTERNATIONAL
Important notice: If you click on this link, you will leave the websites of DVV International. DVV International is not responsible for the content of third party websites that can be accessed through links. DVV International has no influence as to which personal data of yours is accessed and/or processed on those sites. For more information, please review the privacy policy of the external website provider.