Tanzania Prime Minister H.E. Kassim Majaliwa officiates at ILO Centenary Celebrations: Hails the Organization for spearheading Social Justice and Decent work in the world of work

Celebrations included the launch of the National Apprenticeship Programme and Planting of 100 trees in Dodoma, the capital city

Media advisory | 19 September 2019

Dar es Salaam, 17 September 2019 (ILO News) – On 14th September 2019, the Government of Tanzania workers and employers organizations, stakeholders and the public joined the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to celebrate its Centenary since it was found in 1919 in Dodoma, Tanzania. The event was graced by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Kassim Majaliwa and was also attended by the Minister of State, Prime Minister Office, Labour, Employment, Youth and persons with disabilities Hon. Jenista Mhagama, Minister of Labour, Employment, Elders, Youth, Women and Children (MLEEYWC), Hon. Maudline Cyrus Castico, the Director ILO Office for Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, Mr. Wellington Chibebe and other senior Government officials.

Activities of the day included - Launch of the national apprenticeship training programme to be implemented by Don Bosco Net training institute in Dodoma and planting of 100 trees to symbolize the 100 years of the ILO at the Government City in Dodoma, Mtumba area. The event was also intended to mark the 60 years of ILO operations in Africa and 57 years in Tanzania (East Africa).

Speaking at the occasion, H.E. Majaliwa commended the ILO for working with the Tanzania Government in promoting decent work and spearheading guidelines for youth skills development and employment creation. He said that the Tanzania Government will continue to cooperate with the ILO in improving workers welfare and social protection.

“…Despite the achievements in the labour market and the employment sector worldwide for the past 100 years, unemployment among young people is among many challenges facing Tanzania, likewise other counties in the world, hence, a need for implementing sustainable strategies for the next 100 years…” he advised.

Highlighting on the importance of skills training and youth employment creation in Tanzania the premier said that the launched nationwide apprenticeship training programme is intended to reach more than 46,000 who will be trained to enable them engage in various sectors. He added that, the programme is being implemented under collaborative arrangements between the Government and Don Bosco Net Tanzania and the Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA). The current phase will reach about 5875 youth who will be trained in various courses including sewing, fitter mechanics, carpentry, electrical engineering, agriculture and masonry, among others.

“…Imparting of the apprenticeship skills will enable the youth to engage in income generating activities…I therefore urge  financial institutions to avail low interest loans to the youth through their cooperative groups to enable them start business projects at their respective regions or districts…” he said.

On her part, Hon.  Mhagama thanked the ILO for its work in the areas of skills development, primarily through the certification of skilled workers through the VETA’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme. She added that up till June this year, more than 36,726 youth have benefitted from the programme.

In his remarks, the Director of the ILO Office for East Africa, Mr. Chibebe said, the pursuit of social justice that gave birth to ILO 100 years ago remains the same conviction and a major goal today, and in the immediate future. As we look forward to the second century, we hope to continue to being the leading voice and authority in issues to do with employment and labour. The ILO continues to work with the Government of Tanzania and our social partners – workers’ and employers’ organizations to enhance freedom of association, social dialogue, entrepreneurship, skills development, ending child labour, among others.

“…As we mark the ILO’s 100 years since establishment, 60 years of its operations in Africa and 57 years in East Africa, we continue to be devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing the Organization’s founding mission that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace...” he said.

H.E. Majaliwa led the participants at the celebrations in planting 100 trees and unveiling a permanent Government/ILO plaque, at the Government City area, Mtumba.

The ILO Office for East Africa covering the countries of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi was established in Dar es Salaam in 1962. Since then, the ILO has undertaken technical cooperation projects in a number of areas related to its mandate in close collaboration with the umbrella organizations for employers and workers.