This project uses Generative AI to improve English proficiency among Tanzanian primary school pupils. By developing AI-powered tutoring systems and teacher support tools, it aims to enhance fluency, confidence, and performance.
The Global Citizen project addresses the longstanding challenge of low English language proficiency among pupils in Tanzanian public primary schools. While English serves as the language of instruction in secondary and higher education, many pupils receive limited exposure and practice opportunities during primary schooling. This abrupt transition often results in academic struggles, high failure rates, and reduced confidence. The project leverages Generative Artificial Intelligence to develop adaptive tutoring systems, conversational AI assistants, and teacher support tools that provide continuous language practice beyond classroom hours. By integrating AI-driven learning tools into primary education, the project aims to bridge the gap between public and private school language outcomes and promote equitable access to quality language education.
The project aims to develop AI-powered English tutoring systems that provide personalized instruction and conversational practice to pupils. It seeks to enhance teachers’ instructional capacity through AI-assisted lesson planning, assessment generation, and illustrative content creation. Additionally, the project promotes inclusive and equitable education by ensuring that AI tools are accessible via affordable digital devices such as tablets already deployed in schools. Through research-informed implementation, the initiative also aims to influence policy discussions on the responsible integration of AI in education.
The project is expected to improve English fluency, examination performance, and learner confidence among primary school pupils. By strengthening language mastery at an early stage, the initiative supports smoother academic progression and enhances long-term global competitiveness. It also contributes to reducing inequalities between public and private schools while promoting AI literacy and innovation within Tanzania’s education system.
VLIR-UOS
2025–2027
Key stakeholders include Mzumbe University, Ghent University, the Ministry of Education, public primary schools, teachers, pupils, and education policymakers. These actors collaborate to ensure the contextual adaptation of AI tools, capacity building for educators, and sustainable integration of Generative AI into the national education framework.
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