IN a move towards advancing vocational skills and technological pursuits, the Tanzanian government inaugurated China’s Luban workshop at the state-run Ardhi University in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday. The initiative, a collaboration with the Chongqing Vocational Institute of Engineering in China, aims to empower Tanzanian youth in higher learning institutions.
During the launch ceremony, Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Adolf Mkenda expressed the importance of the Luban workshop at Ardhi University. He highlighted its role in nurturing vocational skills, aligning with Tanzania’s development plans across various sectors. Mkenda extended gratitude to the Chinese contributors, emphasising that the workshop would enhance the employability of the country’s young graduates.
Ardhi University’s Vice-Chancellor, Evaristo Liwa, underscored the Luban workshop’s potential to increase the local supply of skilled labour force, reducing external dependency on the same skills. Liwa emphasised that the workshop would be a valuable resource for students, staff, and researchers engaged in the construction sector within the university.
‘It is important to mention that the Luban workshop will be used by the entire university, especially for students, staff, and researchers engaged in the construction sector,’ Liwa said.
Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, affirmed the Luban workshop’s commitment to serving the economic and social development of Tanzania. Mingjian pledged full support from the Chinese embassy for the construction and operation of the Luban workshop project in Tanzania. The ambassador emphasised the workshop’s role in promoting people-to-people exchanges between China and Tanzania, further enhancing the friendship between the two nations.
The launch of the Luban workshop signifies a collaborative effort to equip Tanzanian youth with essential skills, contributing to the country’s workforce development and reducing reliance on external expertise. This initiative marks a positive step towards achieving Tanzania’s developmental objectives and fostering international cooperation in education and technology.