The Eighth e-Learning International Conference on ICT for Development, Education and Training was officially opened here on Wednesday with a call from politicians and experts for the continent to redefine its education system.
Namibia’s Prime Minister, Dr Hage Geingob
Namibia’s Prime Minister, Dr Hage Geingob, opened the meeting underlining that ICT was a greater catalyst for Africa if it was to attain development, saying that these innovative attempts still reside amidst traditional approaches to learning and teaching.
“Critical mass in our education system requires knowledge based approach hence the need to redefine our education system at this critical time,” he said. He said that the continents education landscape contains growing hubs of innovation that propose to tap into the extraordinary creativity of our learners and youth.
However, the PM said that these innovative attempts still reside amidst traditional approaches to learning and teaching. He urged that the continent should remain committed in supporting ICT and strive to have clear policies and develop infrastructure and invest in education.
“Change and innovation are paramount if we are to sustain development,” he stressed. Tanzania is participating in this Annual event for the second time. Speaking to the ‘Daily News on Saturday’ yesterday, the Director for Tanzanian Training Centre for International Health-Ifakara, Prof Senga Pemba said that his organisation is taking part in both the conference and exhibition.
“It is a pride for Tanzania and for TTCIH to be recognised as the champion in promoting and implementing e-Learning in the health sector in Tanzania,” he said. He added that his institution has been given the honour to chair two sessions of the Conference.
He also said that other participants from Tanzania include a representative from Zanzibar Institutions, Institute of Finance Management (IFM), Mzumbe University and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC).
By JAFFAR MJASIRI, Tanzania Daily News