The Civil Society Education Coalition (CSEC) has commended the government’s decision to introduce diploma and degree programs for primary school teachers, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening the country’s education sector.

Rose Kalizang’oma, Deputy Director for Teacher Education Development in the Ministry of Higher Education, announced on Monday that the new programs, aimed at revitalizing the education sector, will be rolled out in teacher training colleges by September this year.

Reacting to the announcement, CSEC Executive Director Benedicto Kondowe welcomed the initiative, calling it long overdue.

He said the move would help motivate teachers to pursue professional development and enhance the quality of education delivery in the country.

“Our main recommendation is that the government should prioritize in-service teachers when implementing the program,” Kondowe said in an interview with YFM.

“These individuals are already employed and will not require new placements after upgrading their qualifications.”

Kondowe also urged the government to establish measures that will prevent teacher shortages in schools when in-service teachers return to college for further studies.