By Juma Magambo

In the financial year 2020/2021 financial year DIT Mwanza Campus, the centre of excellence in Leather Processing and Allied Technologies (CELPAT), reviewed one diploma programme in Leather and Leather Products Technology and developed and introduce two new diploma programmes in Leather Processing Technology and Food Processing Technology.

Market demand surveys were conducted both locally and regionally to guarantee that both the reviewed and new programmes are meet the industry demand. Key stakeholders for the local survey, included: training institutions, industries, government agencies, employers, and graduates from regions in all zones of Tanzania. For regional survey, partner institutions in the field of leather and related technologies participated. Ethiopian Technical University (ETU) formerly known as the Federal TVET Institute of Ethiopia, as a regional partner shared their views and technical assistance in development of our new curricula.

Furthermore, after preparing the market demand survey report, the curriculum information report (CIR) was prepared according to the set guidelines and standards of the National Council for Technical Education (NACTE).

The introduction of an ordinary diploma in Leather Processing Technology will make DIT Mwanza Campus the first training institution in Tanzania to provide diploma level. This will greatly accelerate the growth of the leather sector in Tanzania and outside.

The successful review of one diploma programme in Leather Products Technology and the introduction of two new Diploma programmes in Leather Processing Technology and Ordinary Diploma Programme in Food Processing Technology will be helpful in achieving the EASTRIP development objectives, which is to “increase access and improve the quality of TVET programs in selected Regional TVET Centres of Excellence” and promotion of regional integration”.