By Grace Udofia
The Qatar Fund for Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGoZ) to educate 35,732 primary school-aged out-of-school children in Zanzibar.
Zanzibar’s Ministry of Education explained that the partnership which will be implemented by UNICEF in partnership with Education Above All Foundation’s (EAA), Educate A Child program and RGoZ, will run for three years.
The Minister of Education and Vocational Training for the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar Simai Mohammed, said “The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training values the support that will have a significant and positive impact on the education system in Zanzibar.
“This new and collaborative approach will enable the enrolment of tens of thousands of our children into quality primary education, therefore strengthening their opportunities for a more sustainable future for themselves, their families and our community.
“We look forward to strengthening our partnership through further bilateral agreements between the United Republic of Tanzania, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the State of Qatar.”
The Minister further explained that the project will employ five key strategic interventions to address barriers to a quality education such as improving community sensitization, enrolments drives and attendance; Improving school infrastructure through construction and refurbishment of community-initiated classrooms and gender-sensitive WASH facilities; Strengthening the quality of teaching and learning in schools; Expanding the mentorship and life skills programs, including strengthening girls’ education and empowerment through safe spaces.
In his remarks Director General of Qatar Fund Development, Khalifa Al Kuwari said, “Education is the most important element in life as, without education, a community cannot flourish.
“The globe has faced and is still facing many challenges when it comes to educating children. With rising conflicts & natural Disasters, more children are left out of school and are not given the basic right to build themselves.
“Qatar Fund for Development prioritizes supporting vulnerable communities and in close collaboration with Education Above All Foundation, we strive to facilitate access to quality education for all. We are proud to announce with EAA our contribution amounting to more than $3 million for a three-year period to support access to quality education for all in Zanzibar.”
