Economy

President Samia launched the RWA early-learning programme in Dar es Salaam, linking it to national policy and SDG 4.

Samia Suluhu Hassan on January 29, 2026 launched a national programme designed to strengthen foundations in Reading

Samia Launches RWA Programme to Strengthen Early Learning in Tanzania

President Samia launched the RWA early-learning programme in Dar es Salaam, linking it to national policy and SDG 4.

Published:

January 30, 2026 at 11:35:05 AM

Modified:

January 30, 2026 at 11:52:30 AM

Written By |

Neema Asha Mwakalinga

Travel & Culture Expert

Neema Asha Mwakalinga

President Samia Suluhu Hassan on January 29, 2026 launched a national programme designed to strengthen foundations in Reading, Writing and Arithmetic (RWA) for pre-primary children and pupils in Standards One and Two, positioning early learning as a priority in Tanzania’s education agenda as reorted by Daily News.

The programme was launched during a ceremony held at the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) headquarters in Dar es Salaam. Addressing attendees, the President said the initiative is among commitments she pledged to deliver within the first 100 days after the election, underscoring the administration’s focus on foundational learning as a starting point for wider education reforms.

“We can build strong infrastructure and advance knowledge and technology, but if we fail to strengthen the early foundation of teaching our children, we will be building on a weak foundation,” she said.

President Samia also linked the RWA programme to the implementation of Tanzania’s National Education and Training Policy of 2014, as revised in 2023, which emphasizes equipping citizens with knowledge, skills and values to contribute to national development and well-being.

Beyond national policy, she framed the initiative as part of Tanzania’s broader commitments at continental and international levels, including references to the African Union’s 2024 declaration mentioned in her remarks, and the long-term ambitions of Africa’s Agenda 2063, which places education and skills development at the center of sustainable growth.

She further said the strategy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.