Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology Dr Florens Turuka has called upon education institutions in the country to enable the youth to be innovative in information communication technology (ICT).

Turuka was speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday at a ceremony to award winners for International Computer Project Competition Infomatrixafrica (Infomatrix) organised by Feza International Schools whereby 11 African countries and Turkey participated.

“The youth should be provided with space and support to develop ideas aimed at providing solutions to problems facing Tanzanians and the global at large…this will motivate them to be creative and innovative,” he said.

Turuka noted that such a competition aimed at improving students’ ability in ICT and seeking more knowledge for the benefits of the country.

“The government has been supportive of the event as Feza Schools have been working closely with it in promoting innovation in ICT,” said Turuka.

He commended Feza Schools for ensuring the standard of education was growing and created more opportunities for students to expand their knowledge in different projects.

He challenged other schools in the country to utilise such opportunities opened for the country’s youth.

He also commended the schools for working closely with the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Commission for Science and Technology (COSTEC) and the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) in ensuring a smooth and professionally organised international competition.

He further said the government was always supportive of such education competitions for building youth capacity in the country.

For his part, Feza Schools director Ibrahim Bicakci said several countries had showed interest in the competition because it was designed to equip students with ICT skills that would be useful in their lives and countries.

Bicakci stressed that the competition was very challenging because of the highest international standard since it included the best ICT professionals on the continent.

He said the competition had made students and other ICT professionals sharpen their skills and improve innovation through their participation.

It was opened last week by the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Prof Omar Dihenga, who also appealed to education institutions in the country to create more opportunities for their students to cope with global challenges.

“Let me urge different institutions in the country to create youth opportunities that will open doors for them after completing school,” he said.