KITE program tackles teaching challenges in Tanzania

March 2025

The Kamitei Internships for Teaching Excellence (KITE) program is making significant strides in addressing the severe teacher shortage and quality of teaching in the primary schools that it supports across Tanzania. The program, which places newly qualified teachers in rural primary schools, aims to improve the average student-to-teacher ratio in Tanzania from 73:1 to at least 40:1 and to reduce the significant disparity in teachers’ skills between urban and rural areas in Tanzania. This initiative ensures that students receive the quality of education they need to succeed academically. It also elevates the capabilities and career prospects of the educators that we train and support through the KITE Program.

During 2025, Kamitei will be providing teacher internships to 103 young primary school teachers, spread across 33 primary schools in Northern and Southern Tanzania. Each internship begins with a one-year placement, with the potential to add an additional school year. These internships are designed to provide professional growth opportunities for newly qualified teachers who have not yet secured employment in government or private schools. Through our training workshops and ongoing support, interns build their skills and knowledge, creating better learning environments and improving student performance.

“Kamitei is very committed to addressing the issue of teaching effectiveness by investing in professional development through our Teaching Development Framework and competency-based modular training,” said Bill, a Field Education Coordinator at Kamitei. “Their presence in our supported schools ensures more students receive more schooling, and is building learning environments that encourage academic success,” added Rashid, another Kamitei Field Education Coordinator.

With the support of our donors and sponsors, Kamitei is addressing the shortage of teachers in our primary schools while transforming more teachers into better educators, ultimately improving the educational landscape in rural communities across Tanzania.