KOICA, the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and UNOPS hand over school science labs in Zanzibar

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT), and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) held a hand over ceremony at Machui Secondary School to mark the official handover the of science laboratories in 10 secondary schools in Zanzibar. The ceremony took place on 13 Dec 2023 at Machui Secondary School, Ugunja, Zanzibar and was presided by Hon. Lela Muhamed Mussa, Zanzibar Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Mr. Manshik Shin, Country Director for KOICA Tanzania, and Mr. John Fofanah, UNOPS Project Manager.

As part of KOICA’s Enhancing the Quality of Secondary School Education through a holistic approach in Zanzibar (EQSSE-Z) project, UNOPS constructed science laboratory facilities and procured laboratory equipment for 10 secondary schools in Unguja (5) and Pemba (5). In Ugunja, the secondary schools include Bumbwini, Fukuchani, Jendele, Machui and Jongowe; in Pemba; the schools include Chambani, Chanjamjawiri, Shumba, Uondwe and Wambaa Secondary schools. Each of the multipurpose science laboratories can accommodate a maximum of 40 students, at a time, and have been equipped with equipment and reagents necessary for conducting physics, chemistry, and biology science classes. The project has been funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) valued at USD 3 million.

UNOPS’ role was 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. In addition, the project supported the community during the construction period; creating employment for women who were able to support their families.

The project contributes to the achievement of the SDG 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Hon. Lela Muhamed Mussa, Zanzibar Minister of Education and Vocational Training, said; “The laboratory is large and meets the needs for the students of those schools to learn practical science lessons and bring efficiency in teaching. The government hopes that the performance of science students in these secondary schools will increase following the existing good infrastructure”.