KOICA, the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and UNOPS launch construction of school science labs in Zanzibar

KOICA, Government of Zanzibar, UNOPS Begin Construction of Science Laboratories

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have held a groundbreaking ceremony at Jongowe to mark the start of the construction works of science laboratories in 10 secondary schools in Zanzibar. The ceremony took place on 29 June 2022 at Jongowe Secondary School, Tumbatu, Zanzibar. The ceremony was presided by Hon. Ali Abdulgullam Hussein, Zanzibar Deputy Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Mr. Kyucheol Eo, Country Director for KOICA Tanzania, and Mr. John Fofanah, UNOPS Project Manager, who confirmed their commitment towards improving Secondary Education in Zanzibar.

As part of KOICA’s Enhancing the Quality of Secondary School Education through a holistic approach in Zanzibar (EQSSE-Z) project, UNOPS is constructing science laboratory facilities and procuring laboratory equipment for 10 secondary schools in Unguja (5) and Pemba (5).

Each of the multipurpose science laboratories will accommodate a maximum of 40 students, at a time, and will be equipped with equipment and reagents necessary for conducting physics, chemistry, and biology experiments. Starting with Jongowe Secondary School in Tumbatu, construction works commenced in April 2022, aiming to complete all works before the end of 2022. The project is funded by KOICA with a value of USD 3 million.

The overall objective of the EQSSE-Z project is ensuring better teaching and learning in secondary schools through the development of teachers’ capability, improvement of the teaching and learning environment, and quality assurance in education with community-based monitoring. UNOPS’ role is to support KOICA in the delivery of the infrastructure component of the EQSSE-Z project to address the lack of science laboratories for learner-centred teaching and learning. The project contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Hon. Ali Abdulgullam Hussein, Zanzibar Deputy Minister of Education and Vocational Training, said it is now time to ensure that teaching of science is improved to have graduates with relevant skills required to support the need of this century of Science and Technology.

Mr. Kyucheol Eo, Country Director for KOICA Tanzania, said that KOICA is pleased to establish 10 science laboratories in 10 schools to provide quality science education for secondary students in Zanzibar. Science and technology are strong foundations and science will contribute to social and economic development of Zanzibar.

Mr. Rainer Frauenfeld, Director of UNOPS Office for East and Southern Africa, expressed appreciation for the collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and KOICA in commencing the construction works in the ten prioritized secondary schools, which marks an important step in achieving the objective of ensuring quality education in physics, chemistry, and biology in Zanzibar.