A three-year journey to revolutionize primary education has culminated in a powerful success story. The Aga Khan University's Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED, EA) recently celebrated the conclusion of its groundbreaking Foundations for Learning (F4L) project (2022-2025), a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing teaching quality and promoting gender equality in East Africa. The project's legacy was cemented at a closing ceremony in Nachingwea, Tanzania, where 29 tutors received their certifications.
These 29 tutors, who hail from the Ruangwa, Mtama, Lindi Municipal, and Nachingwea districts, were the heart of the F4L project. Over three years, they immersed themselves in an intensive programme designed to equip them with the skills needed to be 21st-century educators.
The comprehensive curriculum included eight modules covering modern teaching methods through pedagogical practices, creating equitable learning environments with gender and diversity inclusion, and incorporating technology in the classroom with ICT integration. The tutors also learned to guide and inspire future teachers with mentorship and leadership skills, while Makerspace development fostered creativity and resourcefulness. Finally, an enhanced school practicum allowed them to apply theory to real-world teaching scenarios.
Professor Rarieya, Dean of IED, EA, highlighted the tutors' transformative journey, stating, “You have explored and critically reflected on new and improved pedagogical strategies, embraced action research as a powerful tool for change, and strengthened your mentorship skills to better support student teachers during their school practice. You have walked the path of inquiry, collaboration and leadership, and in doing so, you have a standard for what it means to be a tutor in 21st-century Tanzania."
The closing ceremony wasn't just about certificates; it was a showcase of tangible impact. Tutors and student teachers from Nachingwea demonstrated their accomplishments through e-portfolios, mentor-mentee activities, and presentations from the F4L conference.
A major highlight was the Makerspace Hub, a centre for developing gender-responsive, low or no-cost teaching aids. The hub is already a beacon of sustainable innovation, with nearby schools visiting to learn how to replicate these valuable resources. This shows the project's focus on creating lasting, self-sustaining change in local communities.
“We congratulate AKU and the F4L project for upskilling teachers and tutors with the necessary skills," said Mr Kulwa James Masanja, Regional Academic Education Officer. “This initiative has created leaders — many of the teachers trained have been promoted to heads of schools, quality assurance officers, and education officers. We take pride in having the Aga Khan Development Network as one of our strongest partners in education and community engagement. The F4L project has had a great impact on education in Lindi Region."
The most compelling evidence of the project's success is the tangible improvement in student performance in Nachingwea schools. By building sustainable capacity through mentorship and partnerships with teacher training colleges, AKU has ensured that the project's legacy will endure long after its official conclusion. These colleges will continue to serve as hubs for ongoing professional development, solidifying the gains made and ensuring a brighter future for generations of students.
