August 2025
The Kamitei Internships for Teaching Excellence (KITE) program is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of education in underserved rural primary schools across Northern and Southern Tanzania. Recognising the critical shortage of qualified and effective teachers in these regions, KITE provides recently qualified teachers who are yet to secure employment with a one-year internship that gives aspiring educators invaluable practical experience and targeted professional development.
While Tanzania has made progress in increasing primary school enrolment, the quality of education in rural areas remains a significant challenge. Aspiring teachers often receive theoretical training but lack essential practical experience in rural settings, which can affect their effectiveness. This gap worsens education inequality, with rural students facing higher dropout rates, lower literacy and numeracy skills, and a cycle of poverty in their communities. Consistent, high-quality education is crucial for their future success, yet it remains out of reach for many.
To tackle these issues, KITE collaborates closely with local government and community leaders to facilitate the integration of our teaching interns into the existing educational framework. A key goal of KITE is to empower teacher interns to secure formal employment in government or private schools, thereby creating a sustainable network of skilled educators who champion quality teaching practices throughout their careers. They also view rural service as a valuable and rewarding career path.
In 2025 alone, 67% of our teaching interns have already secured teaching positions in government schools, transitioning from the program. A new cohort of interns has already been recruited and is now serving in Kamitei-supported schools in Northern Tanzania.
Stories from the Classroom
Magdalena John Erro – Gilala Primary School
Magdalena is a dedicated teacher at Gilala Primary School, serving approximately 360 students. She teaches all subjects to Class Two pupils with great commitment and care. Magdalena shares, “I try very hard to create a fun, engaging, and supportive environment where every student can learn and grow. Helping them build a strong foundation is my passion, and I’m always eager to learn ways of bringing their lesson to life.”
Emmanuela Kwere Qamara – Intern at Kilimatembo Primary School
Emmanuela is a charming and hardworking teacher at Kilimatembo Primary School, a vibrant school with over 500 students. Known for her joyful spirit and dedication, she connects with her pupils through play and creative learning. “I love using academic songs to make lessons memorable,” Emmanuela explains. “When students can sing, they not only learn the material but also have fun doing it.”
Ormee Daudi Laizer – Intern at Oltukai Primary School
Ormee Daudi, a proud beneficiary of a Kamitei Community Scholarship, is an intern teacher at Oltukai Primary School, which has over 500 students. Passionate about mathematics, Ormee is known for his excellent teaching skills and clear explanations. “Being able to teach in my own community, and using English, Kiswahili and my traditional language of Maa, allows me to connect with my students on a deeper level,” Ormee explains. “I believe that education should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and it is very rewarding to be part of the transformation with Kamitei.”
Leonce Andrea Bura – Kilimatembo Primary School
Leonce Bura is a talented Science and Mathematics teacher at Kilimatembo Primary School. Raised in the Kilimatembo community, he serves as a true role model to his students and neighbours. “I find that including sports in my lessons makes learning easier and more relatable for our children,” says Leonce. “I want my students to see how academics are relevant to their lives and to stay active, focused, and motivated.”
Investing in the Future
We know that investing in teachers is a direct investment in the future of Tanzania; not only do our interns tell us, but we see it in classrooms on our regular visits to Kamitei-supported schools. KITE is not just about filling teacher vacancies; it’s about investing in the future of education by nurturing passionate, skilled, and committed educators who will undoubtedly shape the lives of countless students for years to come. Imagine these children pursuing their dreams and making a real difference in their communities – KITE is helping to make that vision a reality.
Would you like to learn more about how the KITE program is making a difference in specific regions or hear more success stories from our interns? Contact us here.
