PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has emphasized the central role of teachers in national development, stressing that no country can achieve sustainable progress without investing in education and those who deliver it.

Speaking recently, during the World Teachers’ Day celebrations held at Ushirombo Secondary School grounds in Bukombe District, Geita Region, Majaliwa described teachers as the backbone of society, responsible for nurturing Tanzania’s future generations.

“Every step in our social and economic development begins in the classroom, through the dedication and knowledge of teachers,” he said. “Without teachers, there are no professionals, no leaders of tomorrow, and no country that can stand strong. Teachers are the source of innovation and creativity for the new generation.”

The PM emphasized that teachers are not only family and community pride but also the nation’s greatest asset. Through their guidance, young Tanzanians acquire knowledge, skills, and patriotic values essential for building a strong society.

Recognizing their contribution, Majaliwa noted that the government has continued to improve the teaching profession. These improvements include regular promotions, better training opportunities, and ongoing efforts to enhance the working environment for teachers across the country.

He further revealed that to address the shortage of teachers, the government has consistently recruited new teachers every year. “In Geita Region alone, the number of teachers has risen from 11,646 in 2021 to 13,379 in 2025—an increase of 14.8 percent. In the 2024/2025 fiscal year, more than 7,500 primary and secondary school teachers were promoted to higher grades,” he said.

He urged the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government and the President’s Office – Public Service Management to ensure fair distribution of teachers within regions so that no school is left without adequate staff. He also urged the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, in collaboration with teacher training colleges and the Tanzania Institute of Education (TET), to strengthen professional development programs to align with rapid technological changes and global education needs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, echoed these sentiments, calling teaching a “sacred profession” that shapes individuals and society at large. “Teaching is the only profession that makes a person better than the teacher themselves. Teachers sacrifice their time and energy to mold students into responsible citizens, workers, and parents. It is, in many ways, a second act of creation after birth,” he remarked.

He added that in every civilized society, the mark of progress is rooted in the influence of teachers. “If you see a cultured, well-ordered community, you do not need to ask who is behind it—the answer is always the teacher,” he said.

Prof Caroline Nombo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, said the government has invested heavily in improving school infrastructure to enhance teaching and learning. She stressed that teachers remain the cornerstone of national success. “Every one of us has passed through the hands of teachers. We must appreciate their tireless efforts and recognize the enormous contribution they make to Tanzania’s future,” she said.

As the celebrations concluded, the message was clear: teachers are the heart of education, the shapers of values and the builders of the nation’s tomorrow.