Roving Journalist
JF Roving Journalist
- Apr 18, 2017
- 5,352
- 15,876
By Kami Asamani, Country Director, British Council Tanzania
For almost 80 years, the British Council has had the privilege of working alongside the people and institutions of Tanzania. As the United Kingdom's organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, we have partnered with government, civil society, educators, artists, students, and communities across the country – as well as the British High Commission - to build lasting connections through education, culture, the arts, and examinations.
Together, we have supported generations of young people to access opportunities, develop skills, and realise their potential. We have helped strengthen educational partnerships between Tanzania and the UK, championed creativity and artistic exchange, enabled international collaboration and provided pathways for study, work, and professional development.
By the end of 2026, twenty vocational teachers and curriculum developers will have travelled to the UK for knowledge exchange as part of our Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, with 450 teachers directly engaging in face to face and online training. In the last 3 years we have partnered with government bodies to enable 4 international vocational education partnerships in construction, hospitality, renewable energy and sustainable tourism.
These are just a few examples of our achievements. Because our story in Tanzania is one of partnership, and the achievements belong to all of us.
From the cherished British Council library, to scholarships, educational exchanges, arts programmes and English language learning, our work has become woven into the personal stories of many Tanzanians. The warmth and affection with which people speak about the British Council is a powerful reminder of the value of cultural relations and the enduring friendships built over decades.
As we look to the future, we do so with mixed emotions. Following our latest financial settlement, the British Council has taken the difficult decision to close on the ground in nine countries worldwide. This sadly includes our offices in Dar es Salaam, and the British Council will therefore conclude its in-country presence in Tanzania by March 2027.
While this marks the end of a chapter, it does not mean the end of our partnership – nor does it diminish the impact of the past eight decades or the strength of the relationships that have been built along the way.
This has undoubtedly been sad news for our community on the ground in Tanzania. As Country Director, I have seen the passion and dedication of our team, the commitment of our partners and the extraordinary talent of young Tanzanians. This rewarding position has fulfilled a dream I held for 15 years – to become a Director on the continent closest to my heart. Tanzania received me with open arms across all levels of society, and with a small but mighty team, supportive UK and regional colleagues, and expert Tanzanian partners and advisors, we sought to make a lasting impact. Together, we have revitalised arts programming, creating opportunities for scores of emerging creatives to showcase their work and reach new audiences, which will be transformative for years to come.
We have supported research and learning through convening the What Works Hub for Global Education, strengthened international partnerships in technical and vocational education, managed scholarships and continued to deliver world-class examinations that open doors to opportunity.
As we now move towards a digital presence, we will continue to deliver programmes, work closely with partners, and ensure a smooth and responsible transition. Some new initiatives – like the next phase of our Music Connects programme – will launch as planned. Many of our global digital services, products and opportunities will remain accessible online.
Meanwhile, our partners in the British High Commission will continue to champion UK-Tanzania relations on the ground here in Tanzania: prestigious opportunities like Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship programmes will continue; the UK will remain a partner on youth and education support; and our vibrant people-to-people links will be nurtured.
As we approach this milestone, our focus is not only on transition, but on celebration. Celebrating what we have achieved together. Celebrating the legacy of our work, and celebrating the spirit of partnership that has defined the British Council's presence in Tanzania.
We want to honour the students, teachers, artists, institutions, partners, and communities who have made this remarkable journey possible. The story of the British Council in Tanzania is not simply our story. It is a shared story of friendship, opportunity, and transformation. And it is a story worth celebrating together in the same way we have delivered almost 80 years of cultural relations – in partnership.
For almost 80 years, the British Council has had the privilege of working alongside the people and institutions of Tanzania. As the United Kingdom's organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, we have partnered with government, civil society, educators, artists, students, and communities across the country – as well as the British High Commission - to build lasting connections through education, culture, the arts, and examinations.
Together, we have supported generations of young people to access opportunities, develop skills, and realise their potential. We have helped strengthen educational partnerships between Tanzania and the UK, championed creativity and artistic exchange, enabled international collaboration and provided pathways for study, work, and professional development.
By the end of 2026, twenty vocational teachers and curriculum developers will have travelled to the UK for knowledge exchange as part of our Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, with 450 teachers directly engaging in face to face and online training. In the last 3 years we have partnered with government bodies to enable 4 international vocational education partnerships in construction, hospitality, renewable energy and sustainable tourism.
These are just a few examples of our achievements. Because our story in Tanzania is one of partnership, and the achievements belong to all of us.
From the cherished British Council library, to scholarships, educational exchanges, arts programmes and English language learning, our work has become woven into the personal stories of many Tanzanians. The warmth and affection with which people speak about the British Council is a powerful reminder of the value of cultural relations and the enduring friendships built over decades.
As we look to the future, we do so with mixed emotions. Following our latest financial settlement, the British Council has taken the difficult decision to close on the ground in nine countries worldwide. This sadly includes our offices in Dar es Salaam, and the British Council will therefore conclude its in-country presence in Tanzania by March 2027.
While this marks the end of a chapter, it does not mean the end of our partnership – nor does it diminish the impact of the past eight decades or the strength of the relationships that have been built along the way.
This has undoubtedly been sad news for our community on the ground in Tanzania. As Country Director, I have seen the passion and dedication of our team, the commitment of our partners and the extraordinary talent of young Tanzanians. This rewarding position has fulfilled a dream I held for 15 years – to become a Director on the continent closest to my heart. Tanzania received me with open arms across all levels of society, and with a small but mighty team, supportive UK and regional colleagues, and expert Tanzanian partners and advisors, we sought to make a lasting impact. Together, we have revitalised arts programming, creating opportunities for scores of emerging creatives to showcase their work and reach new audiences, which will be transformative for years to come.
We have supported research and learning through convening the What Works Hub for Global Education, strengthened international partnerships in technical and vocational education, managed scholarships and continued to deliver world-class examinations that open doors to opportunity.
As we now move towards a digital presence, we will continue to deliver programmes, work closely with partners, and ensure a smooth and responsible transition. Some new initiatives – like the next phase of our Music Connects programme – will launch as planned. Many of our global digital services, products and opportunities will remain accessible online.
Meanwhile, our partners in the British High Commission will continue to champion UK-Tanzania relations on the ground here in Tanzania: prestigious opportunities like Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship programmes will continue; the UK will remain a partner on youth and education support; and our vibrant people-to-people links will be nurtured.
As we approach this milestone, our focus is not only on transition, but on celebration. Celebrating what we have achieved together. Celebrating the legacy of our work, and celebrating the spirit of partnership that has defined the British Council's presence in Tanzania.
We want to honour the students, teachers, artists, institutions, partners, and communities who have made this remarkable journey possible. The story of the British Council in Tanzania is not simply our story. It is a shared story of friendship, opportunity, and transformation. And it is a story worth celebrating together in the same way we have delivered almost 80 years of cultural relations – in partnership.