CHIEF JUSTICE CHALLENGES SCHOOLS TO EQUIP STUDENTS WITH 21ST CENTURY SKILLS

By JUDICIARY REPORTER-Dar es Salaam

The Chief Justice of Tanzania, Hon. Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma has challenged Schools to equip students with 21st-century skills to prepare them to work and live in a competitive global economy that demands literacy in Information, Communication and Technology (ICT).

Hon. Prof. Juma threw such challenge today dates June 14, 2024 while officiating a Graduation Ceremony of Grade VII Class of 2023-2024 at Academic International Primary School, Dar es Salaam.

He pointed out that the late third President of Tanzania, Benjamin William Mkapa, had the presence of mind to alert Tanzanians to prepare for the challenges of the 21st Century. 

“In 1999, under President Mkapa, Tanzania published the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 to map its future for the next twenty-five years from 2000 to 2025,” he said.

 According to Vision 2025, intense competition, advanced technological capacity, high productivity, modern and efficient transport and communication infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce imbued with initiative will dominate the 21st Century.

The Chief Justice also told the students that in 1999, Tanzania under the Late President Benjamin William Mkapa, prepared the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 that has shaped Tanzania from 2000 to 2025. 

“Today, Tanzania under the leadership of the Sixth President of the United Republic of Tanzania has commissioned the preparation of Tanzania Vision 2025 – 2050. This vision is about you, it is about your job, employment and welfare. You must make sure your views and recommendations get appropriate attention,” he said.

Hon. Prof. Juma reminded the students on a saying that when one door closes, another opens, thus graduating marked the closure of their primary school education. He told them that in their journey to become worthy citizens of Tanzania and world citizens was just a beginning. 

The Chief Justice said that other doors are opening for them and they will face obstacles along the opening doors in front of them. He quoted the world-famous Basketball Player Michael Jordan who said:

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb, go through, or work around.” 

He reminded the students that the doors of education and learning are never closed; education, learning and knowledge are continuous. Such continuity will constantly transform and better mindsets, developmental culture and attitudes toward self- development.

“You are now “Agents of Change!” Tanzania Development Vision 2025 describes education as a strategic change agent. A well-educated nation, sufficiently equipped with the knowledge, solves the development challenges facing Tanzania… 

“…We all hope you will become the solution to the development challenges that Tanzania will face in the future,” he told the students.

The Chief Justice also pointed out that Tanzania is rich in culture, resource and, most importantly, its youth, who are the future leaders, innovator and changemakers. He told them that one of the most powerful tools they have as agents of change is knowledge, the foundation of which Academic International School gave them.

He encouraged them to embrace the search for knowledge and learning with passion and determination and make a habit of seeking knowledge within and outside the walls of their classrooms. 

“Be curious, ask questions and constantly explore the world around you. The more you learn, the more equipped you will be able to solve the challenges of the 21st century. Be guided by the cycle of learning, unlearning and relearning to gain, discard outdated and gain new knowledge…

“…read widely and deeply, whether fiction or non-fiction, science or history, literature or technology. Each book you read adds to your understanding and broadens your horizons.

He also reminded the students that their education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about building character and values. He said that integrity, justice and compassion are essential principles that will guide them in becoming responsible and ethical citizens.

The Chief Justice of Tanzania, Hon. Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma (above and below) speaking to students and invited guests at the graduation ceremony at Academic International Primary School, Dar es Salaam.

Some of students at Academic International Primary School, Dar es Salaam (above and below) during the graduation ceremony.

Some parents and invited guests (above and below) following the proceedings during the graduation ceremony.

Music (above) and Ngoma (below) groups entertain the Guest of Honour and other invited guest during the graduation ceremony.

One of the students, Vasiliki Ulyisious Papadopulos (middle) received her leaving certificate from the Guest of Honour, the Chief Justice of Tanzania, Hon. Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma. It is a turn to Zuleikha Kassim Majaliwa (picture below at the middle) to receive her leaving certificate.

There is no reason why you should not have a moment of smiling having successfully completing studies.

It was a turn to this boy among 86 students, Adriel Gassana Ruhago (middle), to receive his leaving certificate from the Guest of Honour, the Chief Justice of Tanzania, Hon. Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma.

Zuleikha Kassim Majaliwa (middle) receives a multiple of trophies from the Guest of Honour, the Chief Justice of Tanzania, Hon. Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma after excelling well in some subjects.

The Chief Justice of Tanzania, Hon. Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma in group pictures with students before the end of graduation ceremony (above and two pictures below).

The Chief Justice of Tanzania, Hon. Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma in group picture with Academic Staff of the Academic International Primary School, Dar es Salaam.