ATC NEWSLETTER ISSUE 001

1

ARUSHA TECHNICAL COLLEGE – Newsletter 2011

‘Skills Make the Difference’ www.atc.ac.tz

ARUSHA TECHNICAL COLLEGE‘ ’

A Biannual Publication of Arusha Technical College July – December, 2011 Issue 001

Inside.. . .– ATC Marks 2nd graduation Ceremony

– Herieth Shirima recounts her life at ATC

– Attention: Beware of vegetables sold in Arusha markets

– ATC ready for Lapidary Jewelry Technology Programme

2



From the Principal’s Desk ............................................. 3

From Editor’s Desk ..................................................... 4

ATC Takes part to mark it’s 2nd Graduation Ceremony ........ 5

ATC establishes Civil and Irrigation EngineeringProgramme .............................................................. 6

Arusha Technical College Profile .................................... 7- 8

A Success Story ......................................................... 9

News in Pictures ........................................................ 10-11

Manage the waste, raise your profit ................................ 12

e-Recruitment: When Interviews are Substitutedwith the use of Internet ............................................... 14

No way, We should embark on Irrigation Technology ......... 15-16

Appointment/Humor Story ......................................... 17

New employment/Staff Development ............................. 18/19

News in Brief ........................................................... 20-28

The Prime Minister of United Republic of Tanzania Hon. Mizengo K. Pinda (MP) Inaugurating Science aboratories on 30th January 2010.

Published By:

Arusha Technical CollegeP.O.Box 296, Arusha,Tanzania

E-mail: [email protected]: www.atc.ac.tz

EditorGasto Leseiyo

Assistant EditorE.P Sikawa

Consulting EditorDeogratias Mushi

Sauli Gilliard

Editorial Team:Winston MsuyaDaudi Mtavangu

Benjamin KutegezaDafay Laway

Rocky Sabigoro

Photographs:Public Relations Unit

Design & Printed by:iPrint Ltd.

E: [email protected]

ARUSHA TECHNICAL COLLEGE‘

’

A Biannual Publication of Arusha Technical College July – December, 2011 Issue 001

Inside.. . .

– ATC Marks 2nd graduation Ceremony

– Herieth Shirima recounts her life at ATC

– Attention: Beware of vegetables sold

in Arusha markets

– ATC ready for

Lapidary Jewelry

Technology Programme

CONTESTSCONTESTS

3



Dear Readers,

Arusha Technical College (ATC) is a place of the future where one can join – now! You may be surprised to hear this phrase. The fact is that one’s future prospects are brighter on joining or working at the ATC now. Let’s look at it this way.

Apart from boasting about its over 32 years of good reputation in provision of technical education and training, ATC is an autonomous tertiary academic institution registered by the National Council for Technical Education (NACTE).

ATC is also a fully NACTE-accredited and runs engineering technician programmes, which are based on competency education and training (CBET) system. Programmes run by the College include Automotive Engineering; Civil Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Highway Engineering; and Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering; and Science & Laboratory. Qualifications offered currently are Ordinary Diploma (i.e., National Technical Awards levels 4-6). The College recently introduced a Bachelor’s Degree programme (i.e., National Technical Awards levels 7-8 in Civil and Irrigation Engineering).

Institutional autonomy and accreditation were made possible by the College’s establishment Order No. 78 of March 2007 (under the under the NACTE Act No. 9 of 1997). This Establishment Order established the Arusha Technical College (ATC) which replaced the then Technical College Arusha (TCA) that existed since 1978. As autonomous institution, the College, just to mention a few, has managed to do the following:

F Improved quality of teaching by putting in place quality assurance policies, regulations, processes and guidelines such as external examination, project guidelines, industrial practical training regulations, etc which earned the college status of granting its own awards for the first time with effect from academic year 2010/11.

F In response to the demand of experts in main sectors of the Tanzanian and East African economy, ATC has introduced new programmes in Science & Laboratory Technology and Civil & Irrigation Engineering.

F Embarked on Strategic staff capacity building by sending 18 staff for further studies at the levels of PhD (3), Masters (10) and undergraduate (5). In addition more than twenty teaching staff who were sent for professional training geared towards promoting skills and gaining practical oriented training, applied research and consultancy activities.

F Increased enrolment by more than 76%, from 425 students in academic year 2007/08 to 751 students in the

From the Principal’s Desk

academic year 2009/10. Enrolment of female students also increased by 115% under the same period.

F Improved Library services by furnishing reading room; procuring new books; and two employing librarian assistants.

F Renovated Hostel I for male students’ accommodation and built a new Hostel with capacity of accommodating 200 female Students.

F Started offering professional services and consultancy in engineering and technology through the newly-registered ATC Production and Consultancy Bureau (ATC-PCB).

These achievements have greatly contributed to the improvement of performance across all programmes and training levels.

In response to the demand of experts in main sectors of the Tanzanian and East African economy, the College aspires to become one of the prime contributors of technology experts in demanded key sectors of economy. New target areas are those stimulating and/or adding value such as Lapidary and Jewelry Technology, Heavy Duty Equipment Technology, Auto-Electric Engineering, Computer Engineering and Renewable Energy Technology, among others.

ATC is proud of its new programmes and anticipates that these will make an enormous and positive impact to the labour market. The confidence comes from the fact that ATC curricula are competence based and developed with full participation of stakeholders. This means that teaching and learning processes prepare the learner to competently undertake their duties after graduation. The curricula also put emphasis on entrepreneurship across all training programmes to make graduates fit in the formal as well as the informal sectors of the economy.

These are some of the best qualities that make ATC a future place to study and work. Welcome to the ATC!

4



Dear readers,

With so much going on within the college and across the world of technology in general, we felt it is the right time to re-launch the Arusha Technical College Newsletter (ATC Newsletter). Different issues have aroused since we last communicated through this medium.

We are also delighted to note that the college makes strides in various aspects with the intention of preparing capable manpower that will be able to march with climatic and technological changes that are happening in Tanzania and the world at large by introducing a new programme known as Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Irrigation Engineering (B.Eng. Civil and Irrigation Engineering)

We join hands with the Management of ATC to congratulate candidates who have been selected to join this course. We urge them to consider this as a privilege for them to be the first pioneers in this course.

In this issue, we bring you a mixture of features, news stories and interviews to keep you informed and entertained, without forgetting the success story of Engineer Herieth Shirima, a former student of the then Technical College Arusha, now Arusha Technical College, as she challenges all female students to make deliberate efforts to join technical institutes so as to create gender parity in science and technology in general.

We end up, with an appeal that, all this is just a glimpse of much more news and articles that our editorial team has prepared for you.

Your contributions to the newsletter are much appreciated and respected. The next issue is scheduled for January, 2012.

From Editor’s Desk

Mr. Gasto Leseiyo

5



By Staff Writer

Arusha Technical College (ATC) is an autonomous institution registered by the National Council for Technical Education (NACTE) to train technicians and engineers. ATC is fully NACTE accredited, and runs engineering technician programmes.

ATC was granted autonomy in March 2007, through the Arusha Technical Establishment order No. 78 under the NACTE Act no. 9 of 1997 to replace the then Technical College of Arusha (TCA) that existed since 1978. The college has therefore gone through 30 years of good reputation in provision of technical education and training.

The college is located at the central business district of Arusha, which is famous in agriculture, commerce, trade and tourism. The municipality is also the headquarters of the East African Community (EAC) and the central point in Africa between Cape Town and Cairo.

Arusha township is surrounded by famous mountains such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. In addition, it is the door to the world’s great wildlife heritage, including Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and

TLake Manyara National Park. It is such a milieu that make the college’s location an ideal place for education, training and applied researches.

All these can be possible because the vision of ATC is to become a centre of excellence in training, research and consultancy in science and technology in East Africa by 2025.

How ATC is managedThe Chief Executive Officer and Academic Officer of the ATC is the Principal, whose immediate assistants are the Vice Principal Academics, Research and Consultancy and Vice Principal Planning, Administration and Finance.

The Vice Principal Academics is Chief Advisor of the Principal in all Academic, Research and Consultancy matters of the College.The Vice Principal Administration is the Chief Advisor of the Principal in all Administrative matters of the College.

Staff profileCurrently, ATC has 59 academic staff and 15 support

Reasons behind ATC’s establishment

6



staff. While the academic staff falls under lecture and instructor cadre, the supporting staff falls under Technician and craftsman cadres. About 18 academic staff members are currently pursuing their further studies leading to Bachelor degrees, Masters’ degrees and PhDs.

The College is also using part time staff to enhance training. The future plan is to recruit about 100 academic staff within the next five years at a rate of 20 staff per year and 45 supporting staff at a rate of 9 staff annually.

Students’ enrollmentIn 2010/11 Academic year, ATC has enrolled 898students of which 673 students are full time and part time students pursuing their ordinary programme courses and bachelor’s degree programme through National Technical Awards (NTA) system. The remaining 225 students attend evening classes where they pursue National Vocational Awards (NVA) programmes.

Academic programmes offeredThe college provides a comprehensive range of full-time and part-time programmes, evening classes short courses.

Admission to ATC programmesCandidates may join the Ordinary Diploma (NTA LEVEL 4-6) programmes offered by ATC through direct entry scheme, the indirect entry scheme or the access course route.

Direct entry schemeIn order to qualify for admission under the direct scheme, a candidate must be a holder of a good Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) with a minimum pass of “C” grade in three of the following subjects; Physics/Engineering Science, Mathematics and Chemistry/English. A good General Certificate in Engineering (GCE) may also be considered.

For admission into the NTA LEVEL 4-6 in Laboratory Sciences and Technology programmes, qualified

candidates must have passed chemistry and biology in addition to the above requirements.

Indirect entry scheme (Mature age entry) Under the indirect scheme, mature candidates may be admitted after sitting and passing for a special entrance examination. In order to qualify for this examination, a candidate must have either one of the following requirements:a) Be a holder of a good Certificate of Secondary

Education or a good General Certificate in Engineering (GCE) with passes in Mathematics and Physics/Engineering Science.

b) A Possession of a Trade Test Grade II Certificate issued by the colleges accredited by the Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA) and an industrial experience of at least two years is an added advantage.

In order to be considered for admission into the Ordinary Diploma (NTA LEVEL 4-6) in laboratory science and technology, applicants must be holders of CSE with good passes in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English.

Ordinary Diploma Bridging Course for NTA LEVEL 4-6 Programmes (Access course)This is an 8 week course with the objective of improving candidate’s competence in the field of engineering by bridging their respective gaps. This course leads to the redress Gender imbalance (due to admission of big number of female applicants) and diversification of enrolments by widening catchments areas. There are two categories of candidates that are admitted through this route.

a) Ordinary diploma bridging courses for female candidates

The objective of this programme is to improve gender balance amongst the ATC students by boosting qualifications of potential female candidates who do not qualify under the Direct Entry Scheme (i.e., passed but scored below the prevailing cut-off point) to qualify for admission. Under this programme, a female candidate is required to follow and successfully

Students practising formwork contruction at masonry workshop

7



complete an 8 week bridging course. The subjects covered in the course include Mathematics, Physics, Mechanics, Communication Skills and Computer Applications. Upon successful completion, (passing in all the prescribed subjects), a female candidate will qualify for the Government sponsorship, subject to availability of vacancies.

In order to qualify for this Pre-Ordinary Diploma (NTA LEVEL 4-6) Entry Course, a female candidate must possess one of the following minimum qualifications:i) Holders of Certificate of Secondary Education

Examination (CSEE) with minimum pass of D grade in three (3) of the following subjects: Physics/ Engineering Science, Mathematics, and Biology or Chemistry or any other related technical subject.

ii) Holders of Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE) with minimum D grade passes in Mathematics and English and the National Vocational Training Award (NVTA III) Certificate.

b) Ordinary Diploma (NTA LEVEL 4-6) Bridging programme for general candidates

This scheme is similar to Pre-Ordinary Diploma (NTA LEVEL 4-6) Entry Course for Female candidates described above but it is mainly aimed to private or third party sponsored students. Under this category, candidates who do not qualify under the Direct Entry and Mature Age Entry Schemes may be admitted after attending bridging course and obtaining pass marks in all the prescribed subjects at the end of course examination.

Bachelor of Engineering (NTA Level 7-8) ProgrammesCurrently, Candidates can join the B. Eng (NTA Level 7- 8) programmes offered by ATC through Direct Entry Scheme only. In order to qualify for admission to B. Eng (NTA Level 7- 8) programmes, a candidate must be in possession of a good FTC certificate with an average of minimum pass of C grade or an average of 3 points based on the following conversion scale: A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2 in the respective field or its equivalent from a recognized institution. Or candidates, who have good National Technical Award (NTA) level 6 or its equivalent as set by the ATC Board.

Short courses at ATC

Arusha Technical College conducts a wide range of short courses in the following areas:– Micro Computer Applications (for beginners),– Advanced micro computer Applications (for intermediate and Advanced learners),

– Desktop Publishing and – Web Application and Development,– Operating Systems especially Linux,Database Development and Manager using Commercial and strong Database manager system including Advanced Ms-Access, Computer maintenance and trouble shooting, Computer Networks and Networking and Accounting Packages especially Tally, Auto CAD, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Motor Rewinding.

Others are Foundry, Sheet Metal Work, Industrial Automation, Automobile maintenance and repair and Heating, Refrigeration & Air Condition.

ConsultancyThe College is using its registered Production and Consultancy Bureau (ATC-PCB) in hiring its facilities, carrying out production activities and providing consultancy services. These include:a) Geotechnical Soil Survey for Construction of

buildings and Road. b) Geotechnical soil survey for construction of damsc) Testing Asphalt Concrete Mixesd) Concrete mix designe) Supervision of construction of roads and buildingsf) Design of waste stabilization ponds and constructed

wet landsg) Design of Urine Diverting dry toiletsh) Hiring of halls play and class roomsi) Maintenance of medical equipmentj) Material testing

k) Manufacturing of Vehicles &Machine spare parts.

Academic collaboration and linksATC has collaboration and links with different institutions. Among others are:

— Mbeya Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Kilimanjaro

— International Institute of Technology (KIITEC), Dar es Salaam

— Institute of Science and Technology (DIT), — College of Engineering and Technology (CoET),— Seliani Agriculture Research Institute.— SARI, Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC)— Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA)— Tanzania Education Authority (TEA)— Tanga Cement Company— CAMOSUN College — LOM irrigation project, JICA, KOICA.

8



By Gasto Leseiyo

The months of November and December can be considered as the graduation season in Tanzania. The concept is verified by most higher learning institutions’ prospectuses, which mention the same months as graduation time.

Arusha Technical College (ATC), one of the oldest technical institutions in the country, held its second graduation ceremony last year on November 20, 2010.

In the graduation ceremony, a total of 75 graduands were conferred Ordinary Diploma in different engineering fields of study. The fields include Transportation Engineering, Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Others are from the Electrical Engineering and Automotive Engineering. The guest of honour was the NACTE Executive Secretary, Mr Joffer Maggila.

Perhaps you may need to know how this period became so special to the academic institutions, ATC being one of them.

The history of graduation ceremonies goes back as far as 800 years ago when the first graduation ceremony was held in the 12th century in Europe. The occasion was by then known in Latin as the Language of Scholarship.

It is even believed that the word “graduate” comes from the Latin word “gradus” (step)” from which was made the medieval Latin verb “graduare”, meaning ‘take a degree or Diploma’. Therefore, the word ‘’graduate” came to be known in English as one who takes a Degree or Diploma.

Recently, graduations ceremonies have been considered as ritual of passage from one stage to another to one’s personal life.

The words, which are uttered by the Chancellor or the Guest of Honour, “By the Authority given to me, I admit you to the diploma for which you have qualified”, are based on the Latin form used in middle ages.

While the guest of honour is uttering the above words, the public at the graduation ceremony act as witnesses.

The graduation ceremony is usually processed by an academic procession of graduands and staff, led by the ‘’Proctor”, who carries the college or university mace as a symbol for institutional authority and a book as a symbol of learning.

Another important part of graduation ceremony is the valedictory speech. This is the speech delivered by a student (Valedictorian), who is considered to be of the highest scholastic standing. The word “Valedictorian” comes from the Latin word ‘Valedictum’, which means a student who delivers a speech during graduation ceremony.

Usually, the valedictory speech expresses the ups and downs they have all gone through, and provides a youthful insight of a hopeful future. The editorial Board wishes all graduates well in their endeavors.

ATC marks 2nd graduation ceremony

From right, first is the Guest of Honor, NACTE Executive Secretary, Mr. Joffer Maggila (Next to him right, is the Chairperson of ATC Board Mr. Abraham

Nyanda and Dr. Masudi Senzia Vice Principal Academics)

9



ATC establishes Civil and Irrigation programmes

Students of Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Irrigation Engineering in a group Picture

The Arusha Technical

College (ATC) has become

the first higher learning

institution in Tanzania

to introduce Civil and

Irrigation degree program

to boost Government

“kilimo kwanza” initiative.

By Staff Reporter

The Arusha Technical College (ATC) has become the first higher learning institution in Tanzania to introduce Civil and Irrigation degree program to boost Government “kilimo kwanza” initiative.

According to ATC Principal, Engineer Dr. Richard Masika, The course has been specially formulated to meet market demand as well as to both help and boost farming activities in the country.

“Already, the Arusha Technical College has received about 110 applications for the program for which a total of 30 students have already been enrolled and 25 have started training.

The Arusha Technical College is an educational institution under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT) registered and fully accredited by the National Council for Technical Education (NACTE) to train technicians and engineers.

The college has a total of 672 students, which is an increase of around 75 percent since 2007 when ATC was launched to replace the then Technical College Arusha (TCA), which was established in 1978 under Germany-Tanzania cooperation.

10


‘Skills Make the Difference’ www.atc.ac.tz10


‘ ’ 11


‘ ’

News in Pictures News in Pictures

11




‘ ’ 11


‘ ’

News in Pictures News in Pictures

12



A SUCCESS STORY….Engineer Herieth Shirima is one of the alumni of the Arusha Technical College formally known as Technical College Arusha (TCA). She graduated in 1986 with Full Technician Certificate. Our Staff Writer Gasto Leseiyo interviewed her recently on her experiences at ATC. Excerpts…

Q: Tell us about your early life?

A: I completed primary school in 1979 at Samanga village, in Moshi Rural District, Kilimanjaro region. Between 1979-1982, I joined Moshi technical secondary school, where I obtained Certificate of Secondary Education.

In 1983 I joined Technical College Arusha (TCA) where I graduated in 1986 with a Full Technician Certificate in Civil Engineering. I was not satisfied with that level, hence in 1987 I continued with higher learning education at the University of Dar es Salaam where I took Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. In 1992 I came back to teaching at TCA. As that was not enough, I went for Master’s degree in Civil Engineering at Caption University in Ottawa, Canada in 1998 where I graduated in 2000.

Q. When did you start your career as a teacher? And what are your tasks at ATC?

A: I started my career as a teacher at ATC in 1992, immediately after graduating at the University of Dar es Salaam in the Faculty of Engineering. That was my first appointment. Currently, I am a Dean of Students and Head of Transportation Engineering department.

Q: Why did you choose to study engineering?

A: My interest in mathematics was a key factor in my current career. I loved this subject since I was in standard one. I was the best student in Mathematics in both primary and secondary schools. It was at Moshi Technical Secondary school where I took engineering related subjects to translate my dreams into actuality.

I never thought of becoming a politician in my life .I think being an engineer is the best thing I wanted in my life, and indeed, I am happy with what I do. I thank God for the achievement I have made in my life.

Q: Have you ever thought of giving up?

A: I have never thought of giving up in my life. I keep on struggling always to get what I think will advance my professional career. One should not despair when he/she wants to achieve something. I am a Professional

Engineer who is registered by Engineers Registration Board (ERB) since 2005. I normally provide consultancy services in various projects in Arusha, one being the soil investigation at Arusha Shopping Centre. So giving up for me is next to impossible.

Q: Is there anything that you don’t like about your work?

A: Well! Dealing with students is at times problematic. Students are always unpredictable .One needs to work very diligently with them. I thank God that I am getting along with them quite well. I love the students and we work together without much difficulty.

Q: A word to female students willing to be engineers?

A: Any person can achieve anything in life regardless of his/her sex. The most important thing is to have confidence in oneself; that you can do it. They should know that, engineering is not only for men instead it is for both sexes. They should practice mathematics regularly and stick to their personal time-tables. Female students should not let friends waste their time, instead they need to work very hard to fulfill their dreams.

Herieth Shirima recounts her life at ATC

Eng. Herieth Shirima

13



Arusha municipality is one of few areas in Tanzania where vegetables are found in all seasons (rain and dry) at affordable price. This is partly contributed by urban agriculture practice by many residents of Arusha City and neighboring areas. The majority of households in Arusha municipal get vegetables for their consumption either from the major markets (Central and Kilombero) or from their own small gardens. Vegetables from markets are grown locally with Lemara being the major source of these vegetables.

Why Lemara is a major supplier of vegetables in Arusha?

Lemara is one of the seventeen (17) wards in Arusha Municipality located in periurban areas North-East of the Arusha City.

Currently Lemara is estimated to have a population of more than 18,000 who depend mostly on formal and informal business for their survival. Urban farming is practiced in Lemara and it is estimated that 24.2% of the population depends on agricultural activities. People in Lemara have been using wastewater effluent from waste stabilization ponds (WSP) for agricultural purpose since 1970’s. The idea of using WSP effluent was due to frequent drought; although later the effluent was found to have potential nutrients for the better yield especially vegetables, Level of contamination of vegetables in Arusha

Study made through Resource Oriented Sanitation (ROSA) project funds revealed that the vegetables from Lemara have high level of helminth eggs and faecal coliforms (FC) as compared to WHO recommendations. Surprisingly, samples of vegetable taken from areas which are irrigated by Arusha Urban Water Supply Authority (AUWSA) water (Clean water) and those taken from markets have also indicated unacceptable levels of helminth eggs and faecal coliforms. WHO recommends vegetable to have less than 1 helminth eggs and wastewater for irrigating vegetables to have less than 103 FC.

How helminthes eggs get into your body and their effect?

The eggs usually enter the body through contaminated water or food or on fingers placed in the mouth after the hands have touched a contaminated object. Once inside the body, helminth eggs usually lodge in the intestine, hatch, grow and multiply. They might migrate

There is no doubt that vegetables remain one of the very important source of food full of Vitamin A and other nutrients. While health physicians advise people to take them as a part of their every meal, the answer of the question: ‘Where they come from’ can give assurance whether they are going to work positively in your body or not. According World Health Organization, WHO, some vegetables have unacceptable level of bacteriological microorganisms and if they are consumed they can be harmful to your health. In this perspective, Dr. Masudi Senzia analyzes the sources of varieties of vegetables in Arusha town, how they might endanger your health, and advise to the users how to get rid of it.

Attention: Beware of vegetables sold in Arusha markets

to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and the lymphatic system. Symptoms of their presence include fatigue, weight loss, irritability, poor appetite, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In time, a high fever, puffiness of the face and muscle pain develop. Eventually the helminth can penetrate the muscles, the heart and the brain and can cause death.

What should you do?

When one visits Arusha municipality, it is advised that you should not eat raw vegetables. You should cook them before they are consumed. This is because despite which source they come from within the municipal, they have unacceptable level of bacteriological microorganisms which are harmful to your health.

Senzia, M.A

14



By: Mwanza Jafari

“On earth, the great thing is man, in man the great thing is mind” – Sir William Hamilton.

It is essentially wasteful to use materials in such a way that they return less than the highest potential profit. Key persons, such as departments’ heads and branch managers, supervisors and foremen, must see that this does not happen. They must keep a tight rein on their operating costs.

Reducing waste is one of their most important duties, and it requires a continuous control effort.

Discovering problem areasIn order to eliminate wastes, first you must find it. Take a walk through your office. Check office routines and paperwork. Look over supplies and discards. Any chance of savings? Take a stroll through the plant. Are materials carefully stored? Is handling done efficiently in a straight line, or as nearly straight as possible?Are machines operating efficiently? Are defective and

broken products kept to the minimum? Are they collected for salvage by reprocessing, or o be sold as scrap?

Your inspection may pinpoint a number of trouble spots. Workers may be following outdated methods involving inefficient work movements, unnecessary walking, extra materials handling or machine idleness. A plant layout that was good enough 10 years ago may be very inefficient for today’s operations. Here are some areas you might check:

Equipment Is equipment being used efficiently? This is a vital point to check. Good production control always means more output from the same plant equipment and work-force. Machines and tools must be kept in better condition. Machine shutdowns caused by faulty maintenance are a source of gross waste. Machine efficiency depends upon the reduction of stresses as much as possible, so that machine parts work without energy-wasting friction.

Rearrangement of operations may save time, energy, space and material. You should also consider the potential for saving in the purchase and use more modern machinery. Look for equipment that will achieve: increased productivity, uniform quality, better control of the production flow and reduced running cost. It is not economical to employ higher

level of mechanization than you need.

LabourIn many industries, low individual productivity is a major source of waste. Individual output can be increased by serving worker’s energy in unnecessary lifting, moving, working, reaching and bending.

Don’t tolerate careless work. Besides wasting the careless worker’s time, it is also waste of time for those who should reprocess his work, correct errors and do other things he/she had neglected to do. Every employee should perform competitively, producing a reasonable quantity of good work every day.

TimeTime is an important factor in creating efficiency. Don’t let poor planning eat up shop or office time. Follow this planning routine and training, and allow your workers to follow a similar pattern. List jobs in the order of their importance. Include everything on a work timetable.

‘Manage the wastes, raise your profit’

Mr. Mwanza Jaffari

15



Define your goals and concentrate on essentials. Shake time-wasting chores our of your work routine. Tackle each job decisively. Most of us work more easily and use less energy when we work at a brisk tempo. Don’t spend dollar-time on penny jobs.

ScrapIntelligent handling of scrap can be profitable. Some waste materials can be used in byproducts. Waste can be further whittled down through synthetic chemistry and other measures to recover secondary materials.

If you work in rescue department, just retrieve scrap for processing or sale. Study the scrap to see if it is resulting from improper storage, use of oversize stock, poor workmanship, inefficient machines, faulty handling, careless inspection or tolerance gaps.

SchedulingThere is waste in the form of added costs when production schedules are not followed. Check whether the work is reaching the right section of a department at the right time.

Planning action

“We have raised the dust and then we complain we cannot see” — George Beckley.

Eliminating or reducing waste centers on two important activities: determining the cause of waste and correcting them. When you are looking for ways to eliminate or

minimize waste, look at operations and ask why they’re necessary. Too often, time is spent on improvement possibilities without asking why the operation under study is performer at all.

If the operation cannot be eliminated, then look for improvement possibilities. List the various action possibilities: Can task be combined, standardized or simplified? Can the sequence of operation be improved?

Neatness helps prevent waste.

Efficient workers know how much the placement and arrangement of tools, equipment and materials affect productivity. Much waste of time, space, material, and energy results from thoughtlessness. Don’t allow work papers or materials to pile up until it’s necessary to

rummage constantly to locate what’s needed.

Accuracy and available records are essential. Study monthly reports for discrepancies between direct labour cost and budget allowances, and between projected and actual output. Reports may signal a need to check whether production time was wasted waiting for materials, parts or tools. Gaps between production and sales figures may point to an overstocked inventory.

The goal of the waste control is to achieve a work climate in which all employees have acquired the habit of carefulness.

“The great thing in the world is not so much where we are but in what direction we are moving to” — Oliver Holmes.

16



E-Recruitment: When interviews are substituted with internet

By Dafay Laway

Some people who have been using internet for a long time have come across the term e-Recruitment at some point.E- Recruitment is simply a system designed to connect jobseekers and different organizations in need of competent people using internet technology. The process starts by posting jobs on the Internet and this can be on the organization’s website or organization’s web-portal. This process creates awareness to the public about the availability of the vacancy in a certain particular organization. Advertisements are normally attached with job descriptions (information about the duties, responsibilities and the tasks expected to be done by the prospective employee), the person specification (the qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience required). Candidates interested in advertized jobs can fill the forms provided on the internet where they can attach their CVs, certificates, academic transcripts and other relevant references.This process involves collecting and putting the candidates in a main pool while those who fail to meet the basic requirements sorted out and removed from the pool automatically by the system.After the pool of the candidates who have met the requirements is recruited the next stage will be selection. In most cases, e-HRM systems through e-recruiting can perform the first two stages, that is, attracting candidates into a pool and sorting out those who do not meet the basic requirement.

The third stage is that of selection which is undertaken through traditional selection methods which include conducting interviews and doing some tests.Furthermore we can still utilize the internet technology in making the selection of the most suitable candidates from the pool of the sorted out candidates. Telephone interview can be used for structured interviews, although the face-to-face meeting is still necessary as it serves some social functions. Interviews are conversations for purpose; face-to-face interviews provide an opportunity for both the prospective employee and the employer to learn from each other. Face-to-face interviews can also be used as the forum for making some negotiations. The use of videoconferencing provides the possibility of what is called a ‘half-way house’ between the telephone interview and the face-to-face interview. Both the structured telephone interview and videoconferencing if effectively used, and can save time and costs especially for overseas applicants.When internet is used in selecting the most suitable candidates for the jobs, it is imperative to address the following issues; security, confidentiality, authentication, control over test conditions, control over practice and equality. Security in this context can be defined as the protection of personal confidential information from any unauthorized access. Local Area Network (LAN) can be used to control to some extent the access to computer-based tests whereby the access from outside the LAN can be controlled or denied using for example some special programmes such as firewalls.With firewalls, the access can either be restricted to some parts of the LAN while other sensitive parts are concealed from the access or the access can be entirely denied.Generally the approach should be to use technological infrastructures that supports and encourage the good practice. The use of proxy servers, fixing transactions within the so called Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and the use of encryption mechanisms whereby the information transferred through the communication links are encrypted (changed to unreadable form) at the source using some algorithms and decrypted at the destination can serve the security purpose. Nominated administrators or invigilators can control the authentication and cheating during the test. These personnel will ensure that no materials brought in the room to assist the candidates while doing tests. Internet-based assessment uses some advanced control and security measures; this includes publishing only the materials of interest to the public on web browsers while all sensitive materials remain on the host servers.

Mr. Dafay Laway

17


‘Skills Make the Difference’ www.atc.ac.tz17‘Skills Make the Difference’ www.atc.ac.tz

Simbachawene: ATC shining Star in PoliticsBy Staff Writer

How many of us make it to the top of our dreams or Professionals? It has not come as a surprise to many people at Arusha Technical College (ATC), who knew Hon. George Simbachawene, the MP for Kibakwe Constituency, since he was a student at the then Technical College Arusha, now Arusha Technical college (ATC), for what he has accomplished today.

When he pursued his technical studies between 1989 and 1993, in the Automotive Engineering technician Course, no one would have doubted one day Hon. George Simbachawene (MP) will become exemplary Politician in Tanzania.

Said to be gifted with leadership charisma since he was a student at the College, Hon. Simbachawene ably managed to hold various leadership position including the Vice- President in the Students’ Government and the Chairperson of Tanzania Youth Catholic Students (TYCS).

His current activities as an ATC’s Governing Board member and the MP for Kibakwe Constituency by the ticket of the ruling Party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has also enabled him to use his technical skills to play an important role in advising the College Management on good governance.

To us, ATC, it’s a great pleasure for having this important Person because we even understand that apart from advising and making other decisions for the College’s development, when he goes back in Bunge, he advocates for the promotion of ATC but also for the promotion of technical education and Training in Tanzania.

Did he utilize his automotive skills?The answer is YES. He did! The knowledge he fetched at the then TCA marketed him at Urafiki Bus Service to cover the post of Workshop Manager and Transport Officer. He maintained his post from 1995 until the year 1998.

There after his management skills were tested and proved very able at Muzdalifa Islamic Charitable Organization where he was employed as the Managing Director. Hon. Simbachamwene successfully served in this post from 1998 to 2005 while pursing LLB studies at the Open University of Tanzania.

After the completion of his LLB studies and having been awarded degree in 2005, Hon. Simbachawene was confidence enough to vie for MP post for Kibakwe Constituency and became a winner. As an MP, he speaks in the Bunge not only as an MP but also one of the Members in the Parliamentary Committee on the House standing Orders of which make us confident that at the house located in center of the United Republic of Tanzania,

Dodoma, he is the seeds for great changes in our technical colleges and training of much needed technicians in the country.

Hon. George Simbachawene carries the college mace as a symbol for institutional Authority

18



GUEST WRITERBy Sauli Gilliard

TANZANIA heavily depends on agriculture, simply because this sector accounts for more than 40 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), providing 85 percent of exports, and employing 80 percent of the workforce.

Knowing its importance as the backbone of economy, the government has set some strategies associated with some honey-coated slogans aimed at revolutionizing the sector.

Recent data have shown that Tanzania is among developing countries that have severe food insecurity. Moreover, Tanzania is in the bottom of the world’s economies in terms of per capital income.

Some slogans that have previously been used to motivate the growth of agriculture are ‘Kilimo ni Uti wa Mgongo’ which can literally be translated to ‘Agriculture is the backbone of economy’ followed by ‘Siasa ni Kilimo’ meaning ‘ Politics means agriculture’ and the current one is ‘Kilimo Kwanza’ which denotes ‘Agriculture first’.

Though Tanzania has not yet met the Maputo Agreement that requires African countries to utilize the 10 percent of their budget into agriculture, there has been some awareness to the Tanzanian farmers on revolutionizing the sector through ‘Kilimo Kwanza’.

While the current slogan is accompanied with subsidies like fertilizers and tractors, still global warming continues to be a challenge in combating hunger, poverty and producing for the external market.

It is estimated that 80 percent of the rural population live in abject poverty, while in urban areas, the remaining 20 percent lives lack essential commodities.

Previously, farmers used to complain on inability of acquiring technology like tractors, combined harvesters, pesticides as reasons which hinder them from producing for market.

Irrigation – Immediate solution to global warming

Typical irrigantion schemes

Irrigantion schemes structures

Linear Irrigation

19



But now, without irrigation, technology and expertise, the rest of inputs in agriculture may be calculated as meaningless.

What does this mean? Amid the current climatic condition that depends on seasonal rainfalls, agriculture could remain illusion among most countries in sub Saharan countries.

Climatic change has cause insufficient and unpredictable rains, thus putting farmers at crossroads, contemplating whether they will be able to put into practice the Kilimo Kwanza initiative.

The only solution on sight is to struggle and embark on irrigation technology, while we still make use of the unpredictable rains.

In Agriculture, water is almost everything. Farmers can have subsidies in fertilizers, tractors, seeds and pesticides, if they depend only on seasonal rains. When it does not rain, the work done is rated to zero.

But we have a lesson to learn from Egypt, a country that is surrounded by desert, but yet it is among the few countries in Africa that depends on agriculture to feed its people.

Egypt depends on river Nile that originates from Lake Victoria in East Africa. We ought to draw example from this country and see the best ways we could use to improve our farming methods in this region.

Back to Tanzania, a country endowed with fertile land and water bodies – its rural population amounts to 80 percent fails to produce enough food, while the remaining 20 percent in urban areas live in poverty.

One thing is clear - the sufficient rainfall that the region used to enjoy is no longer there due to global warming.

Environmentalists say that water bodies might be unreliable sources in future. So the question is - Why shouldn’t we prepare ourselves well in advance for this foreseen disaster?

In the recent past, climatic conditions have changed, so it is the responsibility of human

beings to struggle against the fore coming disaster.

This could be done through better use of utilizing technology effectively, and also create enabling environment that should include irrigation infrastructure as the best option.

The government should not only emphasize on subsidizing fertilizers and pesticides, but instead turn to the stakeholders and investors who have shown interest on imparting knowledge and investing in agriculture for the purpose of modernizing and commercializing the sector.

Since Arusha Technical College (ATC) has become the first higher learning institution in the country to introduce the degree in Civil and Irrigation Engineering, the government should support the institution financially, and also utilize its graduates in placing agriculture at the position it deserves.

ATC move is among of the major steps that should be supported in modernizing agriculture - to produce not for the substance, but for the global market.

20



HUMOR STORYATC recentappointments

Mr. Daud Mtavanguis now the new head of Civil Engineering department.

He was previously the Head of Soil and Bitumen Laboratory.

Mr. Baraka Kichonge has been appointed new Manager or ATC-PCB

[Arusha Technical College Production & Consultancy Bureau] with effect from 15th November, 2010.

By Staff Writer

A PhD holder and an ordinary man went on a camping trip, set up their tent and fell asleep.

Some hours later, the ordinary man woke up his PhD friend and asks him, “My friend look up at the sky and tell me what you see?”

The PhD man replies: “I see millions of stars.” The ordinary man poses another question: “What does that tell you?”

The PhD guy ponders for a minute: “Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets”.

Astrologically, it tells me that Satan is in Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, it’s evident the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?”

The ordinary man is silent for a moment, and then speaks:

“Practically........it tells me that someone has stolen our tent”.

Lesson: Be educated in the right way and not go beyond the boundaries.

Discussion between unlearned and academician

21



Mr. Gasper M. Wilfred has joined ATC as a Technician I

Mr.Rehemael Anael has joined ATC as a SeniorLaboratory Technician

Mr. Gasto Leseiyohas has joined ATC as a SeniorPublic Relation Officer

Mr. Joel Masaga has joined ATC as Senior Driver II

Ms. Lusy Petro has joined ATC as Technician I in the Mechanical Dept.

Mr. Hassan Shomari

New Employees / Staff DevelopmentStaff Development

The former head of Civil Engineering Department, Mr. Hassan Shomari has left for Dar es Salaam to pursue a post graduate Diploma in Geometrics at Ardhi University. Mr. Shomari holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Education from Malawi University.

Mr.Slaa Qanne has just reported on duty after successful completion of his Masters degree in Mathematical Modeling at the University of Dar es Salaam.

Mr. Hassan Shomari

Mr. Slaa Qanne

New Employees

Mr. David Mang’ehe has joined ATC as Technician in the Electrical Department

Ms. Judith Mwase has joined ATC as Assistant Librarian I

Mr. Pascal Jao has joined ATC as Accounts Technician II

Ms. Isabela Lyimo has joined ATC as Senior Records Management Assintant I

22



ATC ready for Lapidary and Jewelry Technology Programme

News in Brief

A group picture of workshop participants during Consultaive stakeholders for proposed Basic Technician in Lapidary and Jewelry Technlogy Programme held at ATC recently. Standing at the middle (in blue nicktie) the

Chairperson of ATC Board Mr. Abraham Nyanda

Arusha Technology College (ATC) is set to initiate a Basic Technician in Lapidary and Jewelry technology programme effective next academic year.

The programme will be open to all eligible students with relevant qualifications.

The Vice Principal Academics of Arusha Technical College Eng. Dr. Masudi Senzia said recently that the plans were underway by College Administration in Collaboration with Camosun College of Victoria - Canada to launch the programme officially.

Dr. Senzia said that ATC has already acquired equipment including books for the programme, and that the college

was expecting to obtain more support from the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and Camosun College of Canada.

“Our College in partnership with various stakeholders such as Ministry of Education and Vocational Training as well as international agencies like Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) will pull efforts to run this programme” Dr. Senzia said.

It is believed that more than 25,000 gemstone cutters from India, Thailand and Japan benefit from Tanzanian gemstones while in Tanzania only 400 gemstone cutters benefit.

By Gasto Leseiyo

23



ATC mourns two diseased staffArusha Technical College (ATC) staff were recently faced with shock when two of their colleagues passed away, leaving them with sad memories.

They are Mr. Babeli Sabuni who passed away on November 15, 2010 while on medical checkup at Mt. Meru Hospital. He was buried at his home in Same District on November 17, 2010. Until his death, the Late Sabuni was ATC Senior Clinical Officer II. He died of diabetic complications.

ATC has also lost John Daniel Matee, who passed away on March 27, 2011 in a fateful road accident .He was laid to rest on March 30, 2011 in Moshi Rural District, Kilimanjaro region. The late Matee was Artisan I at ATC.

May God rest their souls in the eternal peace, Amen.

One of the girl’s representatives, Salama Kyarumbika, during discussions.

John Daniel Matee

Italian Government to support ATCBy: Winston Msuya

Arusha Technical College ATC) is expecting to receive a support from Italian government to provide knowledge to Tanzanian students.

The aid will be funded through Italian Development Corporation (IDC) under the programme known as Tanzanian Technical Education and Labour Market Support (TTELMS) Programme.

“The Programme is aimed at strengthening and supplementing Tanzania Government’s efforts in promoting technical education and training in the Country” said Italian Development Cooperation Programme Officer, Danniele Passalaqua.

Technical Institutions to benefit under this programme include Arusha Technical College (ATC), Dar es Salaam Institute of Science and Technology (DIT) and Mbeya Institute of Science and Technology (MIST).

The institutes will receive training equipment and reference materials in the engineering fields. The

assistance will also be used to rehabilitate some existing workshops and laboratories.

Meanwhile, representatives of female students were invited to discuss kinds of support they need in education and they requested bursaries in education.

They have also requested to be assisted when seeking employment or willing to join universities after finishing diploma courses.

Delegates for the scholarships and support to female students workshop in a group picture.

24



ATC takes part in 6th Higher Education exhibitions

Minister for Education and Vocational Training Hon. Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa signs a Visitor’s book after getting explanation on ATC academic Programmes

Minister for Education and Vocational Training Hon. Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa gets explanation from Mr. Nicholus Mhusa when he visited ATC Booth

at the 6th exhibition for higher learning Institutions in Dar es Salaam

A group picture with the Minister for Communication, Science andTechnology. Hon. Prof. Makame M. Mbarawa (4th from right) during the

closing day of the exhibition at Blue Pearl Hotel in Dar es Salaam

By Staff Reporter

The Arusha Technical College (ATC) participated in the sixth exhibitions on Higher Education, Science and Technology organized by Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) at Blue Pearl Hotel in Dar es Salaam recently.

The three-day exhibition started on April 27, 2011 and climaxed on 29th April 2011. A team of three members of staff under the coordination of Mr. Jaffari Mwanza represented ATC.

The Participation of ATC in this event was a success, as it provided a good marketing and publicity opportunity for its activities and services.

The ATC pavilion attracted many visitors including the Minister for Education and Vocational Training Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa who lauded the College for introducing Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Irrigation Engineering to support ‘Kilimo Kwanza ‘initiative.

Various Officials from Ministries, Private and other Government departments, Higher Learning Institutions and the general public both from within and outside the country visited the ATC exhibition area at the 6th TCU exhibitions.

Among them was Minister for Communication, Science and Technology Proffesor Makame Mbarawa, Proffessor Elias Bisanda from the Open University of Tanzania (OUT), Dr. Bhatt Mgaywa and a Member of Parliament Honourable Luhaga Mpina.

Others were Proffessor Deo Olila from Busitema University in Uganda and Dr. Falres Jlomo of the Tumaini University.

ATC seized the opportunity to distribute various brochures, calendars and college’s prospectus to different people who paid visit to the pavilion.

The electronic media was not left behind in covering the event, including Radio Mlimani and Mlimani TV.

As for print media, Mwananchi, Citizen, and Jambo Leo newspapers carried articles on the exhibition.

25



A delegation of 9 members of staff from Kenya Technical Teachers’ College visited the Arusha Technical College (ATC) on May 3, 2011 in a familiarization tour.

The team, led by Mr. Samuel Murage who is the Duty Principal met with the ATC Principal Eng. Dr Richard Masika, Heads of various departments and workshops.

Later on, Dr. Masika presented a brief ATC overview and NTA programmes offered by ATC. He further gave brief information on the new programmes that ATC intends to introduce in 2011/12 academic year.

In response to a question raised by one the visiting staff members who wanted to know how ATC plans to cope with a big number of students who intend to join ATC, Dr. Masika explained that the college is in the process of building new dormitories to accommodate more students who will be enrolled next academic year.

“Currently we have enough rooms but we shall need more accommodation facilities, because our college is fast expanding” he explained.

According to Dr. Masika, the college is also planning to introduce new courses in the field

of lapidary and jewellery technology, Heavy Duty Equipment Technology, Computer Engineering, Automotive and Agro-mechanical Engineering and Auto electrical engineering.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Mr. Samuel Murage thanked Dr. Masika for accepting their request to visit Arusha Technical College.

“Your presentation has been of a big help to us and the Kenya Technical Teachers’ College (KTTC) in general, and how ATC as Institution of Higher learning works. I believe most of us will leave here with crucial information which can be used in our college” said Mr. Murage.

Kenya Technical Teachers’ college delegation visits ATCBy Gasto Leseiyo

A deligation from Kenya Technical Teachers College (KTTC) receive information from the Mechanical Workshop Manager Mr. Hamis Mwahu during familiarization tour at ATC recently.

The Registrar of Kenya Technical Teachers College Mr. Ali Hassani delivers a Vote of thanks when they visited ATC recently.

26 ‘Skills Make the Difference’www.atc.ac.tz

ARUSHA TECHNICAL COLLEGEATC-PRODUCTION & CONSULTANCY BUREAU

ATC-PCB is a legal entity registered by Engineers Registration Board (ERB) since May 2010 The Bureau has Competent and diversified experience Proffessionals who are part of

ATC-PCB ready to serve esteemed Customers depending on their needs.

– Soil and bitumen Testing with Proffessional advisory Services

– Recruitment Search Services

– Providing Proffessional Consultations

CONSULTING SERVICES PROVIDED BY ATC-PCB

– Quantity Surveying Services

– ICT Services– Architectural Consultations

– Structural Design Works

– Construction Projects Supervision

– Land Surveying Activities

– Project write-ups

– Concrete Cubes and Blocks Testing

– Structural Steel tensile testing

OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY ATC-PCB

– Renting of graduation growns

– Renting of Kitchen Utensils

– Renting of building, hall, and furtures

– Renting of open space

– Renting of packing and billboards space


27




‘’

established course of Civil and Irrigation Engineering in the level of bachelor and Diploma. Amid the global warming and climatic change, no way out we can feed ourselves and export the surplus without embarking and invest in irrigation.

After it was given a full mandate, ATC has managed to establish other new programmes which actually reflect the prosperity of other coming 50 years and even beyond. These are Diploma in Laboratory Science Technology and Electronic and Tele Communication engineering. In future, ATC intends to become a centre of providing other courses that are marketable worldwide like lapidary and jewellery technology, Automotive and Agro-mechanical Engineering, Auto Electric Engineering, Computer Engineering and Heavy Duty Equipment Technology. These achievements have not happened as the rain dropping from the sky.

Apart from the Government, are other stakeholders are also working close to make the institution’s dream to come true. Among of them is German Agency for Technical Cooperation.

Nine years after attaining her independence, Tanzania started the processing of establishing this college and it was this agency which responded positively by fully participating in building TCA which is now ATC.

As the mission is yet not fulfilled, ATC is still working with other stakeholders in making sure the existing scarce of technical experts of which the ratio is; one engineer serving 5,000 Tanzanians (1:5,000) is wiped out. Other stakeholders are Korea and Japan.

Technical sector challengesDespite measures taken by the government to tackle some challenges surrounding technical sector, there still remains low number of engineers in the country.

The country’s demand stands at between 60,000 and 80,000 engineers.

Currently, the country can produce only 1,500

engineers per year and suggestion to tackles indicates, Tanzania has to train about of 20,000 engineers annually if it is to catch up with developed countries.

However the problem is more escalating when one tries to evaluate gender parity in technical institutions and the whole sector at large.

According to ATC’s principal Dr. Richard Masika, in 2006/2007 academic year, female students accounted for only 14 per cent of the new intake, rising to 25 per

cent the following year (2007/2008) but dropping to 23 per cent in 2008/2009.

Government has some policies to attract female students to take technical studies. To support this initiative, ATC has made the entry qualifications more flexible to female so that ex-Form IV with lower marks can be assisted to qualify. Although in Tanzania there are good policies that encourage students at secondary level to pursue science related subject and specifically female students, injection of more money to turn them into reality is crucial.

Dr. Masika praises Tanzania Education Authority (TEA) following its decision of providing Sh.23 million grant to sponsor crash programmes for females.

However, this was the first time the education body was sponsoring female students for a course to enable them qualify for entrance into the college. Dr. Masika said the college intends to increase enrolment of students joining ATC to 1,075 in 2013/2014 in order to meet the market demand of the graduates.

ATC hopes this example will be taken by other stakeholders who are direct or indirectly benefiting from the graduates

of technical institutions like telecom companies, building and construction companies/agencies etc. Sponsoring students directly means helping the government to increase number of technical experts and supporting their institutions means improving the their capacity of providing the quality of services while preparing the future of Tanzania in the other 50 years to come!

28

How 50 years of independence shaped technical education

As our nation cele-brates 50 years of

independence, there is a lot that has been achieved socially, economically, politically and culturally. Arusha Technical College (ATC) is proud to be among of the beneficiaries of independence.

One could question the validity of such a celebration, taking into account that Tanzania is among the poorest countries, whose economy has not been stable. If the same person who asks such a question could take some time to review the history related to where the nation came from, where it is, and where it is going, he/she would join in this jubilation.

In 1999, Ikaweba Bunting, the current Oxfam’s Communications Officer for East Africa based in Nairobi made an interview with the founder of our nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere mainly focusing on Tanzania’s development since independence, Arusha declaration, and the adoption of socialism and self reliance policy.

Mwalimu pictured when Tanzania became indepen-dent and said “…We took over a country with 85 per cent of its adult population illiterate. The British ruled us for 43 years. When they left, there were 2 trained engineers and 12 doctors. This is the country we inherited.”

Revising what he responded in the World Bank meeting in 1998, Mwalimu went on describing that “When I stepped down in 1985 there was 91-per-cent literacy and nearly every child was in school. We trained thousands of engineers and doctors and teachers.

In 1988 Tanzania’s per-

capita income was $280. Now, in 1998, it is $140,”

According to the recent data from the Ministry of Infrastructure, 3,864 professional engineers have been licensed so far. Licensed Tanzanian engineers are 3,226 are Tanzanians, while are 662 foreigners. Available data indicates that there are 317 registered consultants, 247 of whom are locals and 70 foreigners.

ATC appreciates efforts taken by the government to make sure that the sector becomes more and more

independent in terms of improving quantity and quality of technical experts.

Looking at what Mwalimu said on the country having only 2 engineers by the time the country attained its independence and now in 2011 when the country has 10, 281 registered engineers, there is a reason for celebration.

Tanzania’s independence and the scarcity of technical experts was the essence of establishing the then Technical College of Arusha (TCA) in 1978 which later, in 2007,

changed its status and given autonomous with accreditation by National Council for Technical Education (NACTE) to get its current status.

Apart from striving to minimize the scarcity of technical experts in the country, the institution is also supporting the government’s mission of bringing revolution in agricultural sector through her current slogan: Kilimo Kwanza (Agriculture First).

This is vividly seen in its new

By Staff Reporter

ATC NEWSLETTER ISSUE 001

Documents

Transcript of ATC NEWSLETTER ISSUE 001