DODOMA, September 7, 2026:
UNESCO, in collaboration with Beijing Normal University (BNU) and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, has launched a programme to establish and strengthen Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Clubs in public schools in Dodoma and Morogoro, aimed at equipping girls with digital skills, confidence and knowledge to pursue education and careers in technology.
The initiative is being implemented under the UNESCO-BNU project, “Closing the Digital Divide: Ensuring Gender-Transformative Digital Skills Education for Women and Girls,” which seeks to reduce the gender gap in digital education and expand opportunities for women and girls to participate fully in the technology sector.
Speaking during the official launch held today at Edema Conference Hall in Kisasa, Dodoma, UNESCO Tanzania Head of Education Sector, Dr Faith Shayo, said the initiative was designed to encourage girls to develop an interest in technology, build confidence and explore opportunities in ICT-related education and careers.
She said the ICT Clubs would provide students with opportunities for practical learning, innovation and the development of skills to use technology to address challenges in their communities.
Dr Shayo said the programme would also involve ICT teachers and student teachers, with the clubs serving as platforms for extracurricular activities that give students practical experience beyond regular classroom lessons.
She said challenges contributing to the digital divide included disparities in access to technology, digital skills and competencies, as well as limited opportunities for girls to gain first-hand knowledge of education and career pathways in technology-related fields.
The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST), the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), and the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE).
A total of 20 public schools are expected to participate, with 10 from Morogoro Municipality and 10 from Dodoma City. The programme will directly benefit 500 girls and 40 teachers.
The official launch marks the beginning of a series of activities under the programme, with a four-day ICT Innovation Bootcamp scheduled to begin tomorrow, September 8, at Msalato, and run through Friday, September 11, 2026.
The Bootcamp will provide students with opportunities for practical learning, digital skills development and innovation, including developing and showcasing digital ideas and projects aimed at addressing real-life challenges in their communities.
In Dodoma, participating schools include Dodoma, Kisasa, Nara, Ihumwa, Makole, Mnadani, Hazina, Mtumba and Msalato, all secondary schools.
Through the ICT Clubs, students will receive practical training in computer programming (coding), computational thinking and problem-solving, digital creativity, visual and audio content production, and the safe and responsible use of technology.
The girls will also be connected with women ICT professionals through mentorship programmes, enabling them to learn from their experiences and gain a broader understanding of education, employment and career opportunities in the technology sector.
PMO-RALG STRESSES COLLABORATION
Speaking on behalf of the Prime minister Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Mr. Francis Gervas, from the Education Management Department, thanked UNESCO for partnering with the Government in implementing the initiative.
He stressed the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that the programme achieves its intended objectives and that the results and lessons generated are sustained beyond the implementation period.
Mr. Gervas also called for the initiative to be expanded to other parts of the country so that more girls could benefit, while urging participants and stakeholders to remain committed to its effective implementation.
TEACHER CALLS FOR ATTITUDE CHANGE
Meanwhile, Mr Godfrey Robin Mseti, a teacher at Mtumba, commended the Government and UNESCO for introducing the initiative, saying opportunities and training related to technology had for a long time been perceived as being more accessible to boys and men.
He said society needed to change the perception that ICT-related learning was mainly for boys, stressing that girls also had the ability and should be given equal opportunities to learn, participate in and benefit from technology.
Under the programme, the ICT Clubs are intended to provide safe and inclusive learning environments where students can develop their skills through learning, innovation, leadership and collaboration.
Girls are expected to account for at least 50 per cent of participation in the clubs, with stakeholders encouraged to promote even greater representation.
Overall, the initiative is expected to strengthen ICT Clubs in 20 schools and enable 500 girls to improve their digital skills, confidence, participation and leadership abilities, while increasing their awareness of education and career opportunities in ICT.
The programme seeks to ensure that girls acquire not only the skills to use technology, but also the confidence to view technology as a tool for innovation, education and building their future careers.
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