The Mamire Teachers’ College (MTC) is a pillar in the Manyara Region for quality teacher education. Since its doors first opened in 2014, it has been consistently ranked in the top 10, out of more than 90 private and public teachers’ colleges across Tanzania. Graduates are regarded as confident and competent new teachers, with sought-after skills in delivering curriculum-based education.

640 teachers (46% females) have graduated with a 2-year Certificate of Teacher Training, or a 3-year Diploma in Primary / Secondary Education since 2014.

But for new teachers, securing employment in Government schools is challenging. Despite schools’ urgent needs, the government’s education budget is inadequate to recruit the number of qualified teachers that are needed. Oversized classes persist. Only 15% of schools that we support meet the government’s recommended 1:40 teacher to student ratio. That’s why in 2016 we introduced our 2-year internship program for MTC graduates. It has been hugely beneficial for students, schools and graduates.

160 graduates have been placed as interns in program-supported schools, and a few have been placed in a private school Silverleaf Academy, since 2016. 108 interns have gained permanent employment to-date.

‘The interns have introduced competitions for pre-primary classes to develop 3R skills, which has really helped students to learn and stay focused’.

Head Teacher, Malesh Primary School

The program has many benefits, including to:

• Enable graduates to gain valuable practical experience and boost their employability
• Help bridge the gap of teacher shortages in schools
• Bring fresh perspectives and innovation to a school’s learning and teaching approach
• Engage schools communities in a cost-effective solution — they often provide interns’ accommodation and meals
• Support students in and outside of the classroom with their hands-on approach

In 2023 40 interns reach more than 15,000 students in their classrooms

Juma, a MTC Graduate and Intern, is a great example of how an intern’s innovative approach engages students in new ways.

‘With increased awareness of environmental conservation, together with the experienced teachers in our Orngadida Primary School community we wanted to come up with a solution to deal with the paper waste that is spread throughout the school’s grounds. We decided to turn the waste into an opportunity and to use the paper to make charcoal. It is good for the environment (as opposed to burning the paper which is the way it is normally disposed of), and it is also a potential source of income for the school.

Two bags of charcoal have been produced for testing its effectiveness. The charcoal has been donated to teachers, and other nearby partners, to test through use for feedback. It is also a way to promote the product to other stakeholders’.

Head Teacher, Orngadida Primary School

Photos: Interns participate in quarterly reflection meetings throughout the 2-year program.