English is a major obstacle for Job seeker in EAC

It is against this that experts have called upon the government to introduce English interview skills into the primary and secondary schools curriculum, to equip students with knowledge and skills necessary when seeking jobs on national and international job markets.

A Human Resources Manager, Peter Abner, while speaking during an English Spelling Bee Competition organized by Gemashaa Education Support, a Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) formed to support students improve English skills, said most Tanzanians fail to obtain jobs in various organizations due to the English language which is mostly used during interviews.

“There is need to take immediate measures to secure our generation in seeking jobs… and this is by introducing special programmes on English interviewing skills in both primary and secondary schools, including colleges and universities, to enable students acquire knowledge and skills on how to handle interviews,” he said.

The competitions organized in Kinondoni district involved students from various secondary schools. Basing on the competition, Mr Abner who is also one of the founding members of the NGO said the contest will drive students to love and learn the language that would help them in future.

He called upon the government, institutions and education stakeholders to support the NGO towards equipping students with knowledge and skills on the English language. The Chairman of the Gamashaa Education Support, Ms Sheba Mkaba, said that the NGO that was founded in 2011 aims at encouraging students to learn and speak English.

“The competition that was introduced in Dar es Salaam starts at school level, ward, district and later will be expanded to regions,” she said adding that the objective of the contests was to identify best English learners and support them for further trainings.

According to Ms Mkaba, the competitions to be carried out every year will be done countrywide, calling on well-wishers to join hands and support the NGO. Meanwhile, the National Bank of Commerce has pledged to support the NGO in conducting the competitions and other activities.

The NBC Mbezi Branch Sales and Marketing Manager, Mr Francis Madepu, said that he will talk to the NBC top bosses to help the NGO. Mr Madepu, who was the guest of honour during the event, said the competitions will help organizations and other institutions acquire better human resources.