The LabXchange Teacher Ambassador Program, which launched in 2024, was designed to create a vibrant community of practice for STEM educators worldwide. The 2025 Tanzania cohort, which recently concluded three months of training and advocacy, is a perfect example of the global coalition that we are working to build!
The cohort was initiated by master teachers Issaya Ipyana Kasyupa and Cecilia Shoni, who began as teacher ambassadors in the 2023 Africa cohort. Both driven by a strong desire to enhance STEM education in Tanzania, Issaya and Cecilia led 17 new educators through the rigorous training program.
We sat down with Issaya and Cecilia to learn more about their drive to launch the cohort and introduce more Tanzanian educators to LabXchange. Read their responses below.
Our inspiration to launch a LabXchange Teacher Ambassador cohort in Tanzania came from our experience as ambassadors. Having gone through the training, we witnessed firsthand the benefits and impact of the program on educators. This experience made it clear to us how valuable LabXchange could be for teachers and students in our country. Seeing this potential, we were motivated to replicate the program in Tanzania, ensuring that more educators could access these resources and opportunities. Becoming ambassadors in 2023/2024 was the foundation that led us to initiate and expand the program locally.
Our recruitment process for the 17 educators in the cohort followed two key approaches. First, we conducted headhunting, identifying teachers and educators we had previously worked with and who demonstrated a strong commitment to STEM education. Second, we opened an online application, sharing it via WhatsApp groups where many educators were already engaged. This allowed interested teachers to express their willingness to participate.
To ensure the success of the program, we carefully screened applicants, prioritizing those with a genuine interest in the initiative. Since this program required additional dedication beyond their daily responsibilities, selecting committed educators was crucial. By combining targeted headhunting and an open application process, we were able to build a strong and motivated cohort.
LabXchange has the potential to create a transformative impact on educators and learners in Tanzania by bridging gaps in access to quality STEM education. One of the key benefits is introducing both teachers and students to digital learning platforms, enabling them to integrate technology into their education beyond the traditional classroom environment. This exposure will enhance digital literacy and adaptability, equipping them with essential 21st-century skills.
LabXchange provides access to interactive and hands-on tools, which is crucial in the Tanzanian context, where many schools lack the necessary resources for practical science learning. By offering virtual labs and simulations, the platform allows students to engage with STEM concepts in a more practical and immersive way, ensuring a deeper understanding beyond theoretical instruction.
LabXchange empowers educators by expanding their teaching resources and methodologies. Instead of relying solely on government-provided materials, teachers can explore diverse educational content, innovative teaching approaches, and global best practices. This not only enhances the quality of STEM education but also makes lessons more engaging and effective.
Yes, We see great potential for the LabXchange program to continue in Tanzania and expand its reach to support more STEM educators and learners. While the initial cohort included educators primarily from urban areas, we recognize the need to extend this opportunity to teachers and students in rural and peri-urban regions, where access to digital learning platforms and hands-on STEM resources is often limited.
By expanding the program, we can bridge the educational gap by providing more educators with training on how to integrate LabXchange into their teaching. This will not only enhance their instructional methods but also give students in underserved areas the chance to engage with interactive and practical STEM learning experiences.
As more teachers and students benefit from LabXchange, there is an opportunity to build a strong network of educators who can share best practices, mentor new cohorts, and create a sustainable model for continuous learning. With the right support, the program has the potential to transform STEM education in Tanzania by making high-quality, interactive learning accessible to all, regardless of location.
Our vision for STEM education in Tanzania is to build a strong foundation where both educators and students are well-equipped and motivated to engage in STEM fields. With the ongoing curriculum reforms led by the Ministry of Education, there is a clear commitment to integrating STEM education into the national education system, ensuring that students develop the skills needed for the future.
We envision a future where STEM is not just an option but a priority, with more students embracing STEM subjects and seeing them as viable career paths. Organizations and initiatives across Tanzania are already working to raise awareness and provide resources, and we see this momentum growing significantly over the next 5 to 10 years.
By strengthening teacher training, increasing access to STEM resources, and fostering innovation in education, we believe Tanzania can become a leader in STEM education across Africa. Our goal is to see a generation of students who are not only knowledgeable in STEM but also equipped with problem-solving skills, creativity, and a passion for using science and technology to address real-world challenges.
The Teacher Ambassador training has empowered educators to integrate EdTech into their teaching using LabXchange, making lessons more interactive and engaging. Given the challenge of accessing physical tools, the platform provides an alternative for exploring STEM concepts effectively. Teachers also collaborate within their schools, sharing knowledge to enhance learning. This program has shown that with the right resources, educators can transform STEM education, making it more accessible and impactful.
Thank you and congratulations to the 17 teacher ambassadors who participated in this cohort!
Interested in learning more about LabXchange’s educator programming? Would you like to serve as a teacher ambassador? Visit our Educator Community page or join our educator discussion groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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