AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the Tanzania Meteorological Agency is to provide quality, reliable and cost effective meteorological services to stakeholders’ expectations thereby contributing to the protection of life and property, environment and national poverty reduction goal.

Availability of adequately trained human resources in any institution is most critical to its success; and education and training play a significant role in this connection. This is a fundamental view adhered to by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Indeed, one of the purposes of WMO, as stated in its Convention, is to encourage training in meteorology and in related fields and to assist in coordinating the international aspects of such training. Since its inception in 1950, WMO has been contributing significantly to the promotion of pertinent education and training activities.

Tanzania Vision 2025 is not achievable without an appropriately prepared and deployed weather and climate workforce; hence the training of meteorologists and meteorological technicians is crucial in order to minimize weather related natural hazards.

The training curriculum has been prepared to respond to trends, developments and evolving needs brought about by changing socio-economic circumstances such as globalization, and rapid technological advances, including information and communications technology. These also respond to the call for improved effectiveness and efficiency in the management of Tanzania Meteorological Agency and the delivery of relevant services.

In this regard curricula cannot remain static, it must be responsive to changes in the society, the economy and changes in the nature of teaching and learning.

During this period (21^st century), formidable additional challenges and opportunities are already in the horizon. Meeting these new challenges and availing of emerging opportunities will require better educated and skilled meteorological and hydrological personnel. To meet this evident need, considerable improvements in education and training methods, tools and attitudes are necessary. This will entail:

• Enhancing career-long continuing education and training, to maintain and enhance competency in a world of rapid scientific and technological advancements, and complex socio-economic challenges;

• Expand the use of distance teaching and learning technology and increasing the opportunities for self training, within the broader culture of life long learning;

• Re-directing more and more the professional instruction from formal training attestations or certificates to proven job-competency.

 The programme has been developed in line with the above considerations, which provides for a creation levels, while at the same time enable one to bear the costs of training.