MWE Correspondent
The government of Tanzania has announced that sign language training will become a mandatory part of all teacher training programs.
The move is designed to help educators effectively communicate with students of all abilities, including those with special needs.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda, during the closing session of the national budget debate for the 2025/2026 fiscal year in Dodoma, the nation’s capital.
“If you’re teaching in any school in Tanzania, you must be able to communicate with all types of students,” Prof. Mkenda said. “Although we do have special schools, our broader vision is to see more inclusive classrooms where every child, regardless of ability, learns together.”
The initiative is part of ongoing reforms to the national education policy, aiming to make the education system more responsive to the diverse needs of students across the country.
As part of this reform, the Parliament of Tanzania has approved a substantial TZS 2.4 trillion budget (around USD 935 million) for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The funds are earmarked for both recurrent expenditures and development projects, including the rollout of teacher sign language training, infrastructure improvements, and curriculum enhancements.
Also Read; US and China Reach Breakthrough in Tariff Dispute
Prof. Mkenda emphasized that teacher training colleges will be required to integrate sign language instruction into their programs. This measure is expected to ensure that graduates are equipped not only with subject knowledge but also with the communication tools necessary for inclusive education.
The reform aligns with global goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which seeks to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
Education stakeholders, disability rights advocates, and parents have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a long-overdue step toward equity in education.
Implementation will begin gradually, with pilot programs and training modules developed in collaboration with key stakeholders. The government is expected to release a detailed roadmap in the coming months.
By mandating sign language proficiency for educators, Tanzania is taking a bold and commendable step toward dismantling communication barriers and ensuring that no student is left behind.
