At TeachUNITED, we believe that all students deserve great teachers. Through the Elimu-Soko Zanzibar Initiative, we have equipped teachers with research-based strategies to close learning gaps and improve student achievement.
Mr. Is-haka Mbarouk Juma, a dedicated teacher from Mzingani Primary School in Zanzibar, is a shining example of this impact. Before joining the Elimu-Soko Program, he struggled to engage his students and ensure they all excelled. However, his journey through the program has redefined his teaching approach, and his students are thriving.
A Turning Point in Teaching
Determined to enhance his teaching skills, Mr. Juma enrolled in the Elimu-Soko Program, part of TeachUNITED’s pilot teacher training initiative launched in collaboration with the Hempel Foundation, Axum, and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. The training introduced him to innovative teaching methodologies, equipping him with practical strategies to better support his students. Reflecting on his experience, Mr. Juma shares:
“Before attending the Elimu Soko Program, I often struggled with keeping my students engaged and tailoring lessons to meet their individual needs. The traditional methods I was using didn’t seem to resonate with them, and I knew I needed a change. The program provided by TeachUNITED was a turning point in my teaching career. Implementing these new strategies has been incredibly rewarding. My classroom has become a vibrant, dynamic environment where students are actively engaged and excited to learn. Their performance has improved dramatically, and the joy of seeing their progress and confidence grow is indescribable.“
Armed with these new skills, Mr. Juma transformed his classroom. He redesigned lessons to be more interactive, fostered a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, and incorporated data-driven insights to tailor instruction to his students’ needs. The impact was immediate and profound.
Mr. Asha Haoun Abdall, Headmistress of Mzingani Primary School, praises his growth:
“Mr. Juma’s journey through the Elimu Soko Program has been nothing short of transformative, not only for himself but for our entire school community. Before attending the program, Mr. Juma was a dedicated teacher, but he faced challenges in engaging his students and tailoring his instruction to meet their diverse needs.
Since his participation in the Elimu-Soko Program, I have witnessed a remarkable change in his teaching approach. Mr. Juma has embraced innovative methods that have revolutionized his classroom. His ability to engage students through interactive lessons, foster a growth mindset, and utilize data-driven instruction has set a new standard for teaching excellence at our school.”
Measurably Impacting Students
One of Mr. Juma’s students, Amina, notes the changes she saw in her teacher, her classroom, and herself:
“Before, I used to find some subjects very hard to understand, and I often felt lost during lessons. It was frustrating because I wanted to do well, but I didn’t know how to ask for help or what I needed to do better.
When Mr. Juma came back from his training, things started to change. He began teaching in ways that made learning fun and easier to understand. We started doing more group activities, and he used a lot of examples that helped me see how the things we learn in class are useful in real life. One of the biggest changes was how he paid attention to each of us. He would give us tasks that were just right for our level, and he always checked how we were doing. He would talk to us about our progress and help us set goals. This made me feel more confident and motivated to try harder. Now, I enjoy coming to class and participating in the lessons. I understand the subjects better, and my grades have improved a lot.“
Amina’s experience is not unique. The shift in Mr. Juma’s classroom is evident in student engagement and academic performance. After implementing new teaching skills, his students have become more confident, enthusiastic, and active participants in their learning. Test scores have significantly improved, with the average rising from 47% to 80% across subjects. Additionally, student engagement increased, shifting from minimal student participation to a classroom of students who are motivated and eager to learn from Mr. Juma and each other.
| Before Elimu-Soko | After Elimu-Soko |
| Average Test Score: 47% | Average Test Score: 80% |
| Low student engagement levels | High student engagement levels |
| Traditional, less interactive lessons | Personalized, data-driven, and engaging lessons |
Built for National Scale
Mr. Juma’s journey exemplifies the profound impact that teacher professional development programs can have on both educators and students. His dedication to implementing student-centered teaching strategies has transformed his classroom into a thriving learning environment. The Elimu-Soko Program has not only enhanced Mr. Juma’s skills but has created lasting improvements in education throughout his school, and beyond.
Elimu-Soko Zanzibar, which has already improved the skills of over 200 educators and the learning experiences of more than 20,500 primary students, was built for scale. With additional resources, the project could be expanded to benefit Zanzibar’s entire student population.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MOEVT) of Zanzibar Khamis Said expressed his excitement about the program’s impact:
“The class environment is very key in supporting the learning and attendance of learners, and it is the teachers who shape the behavior and success of the learners. I applaud TeachUNITED for taking up the professional development of teachers as the formal training alone is not enough. The government is committed to ensuring provision of support to teachers.”
Mr. Juma’s story serves as an inspiration for teachers worldwide, demonstrating that with the right support, transformative change is possible. At TeachUNITED, we remain committed to empowering educators like Mr. Juma, ensuring that every student receives the quality education they deserve.