The Zanzibar government on Thursday announced that it intends to double the budget for students’ loans.

Zanzibar Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Mr Ali Juma Shamuhuna

Zanzibar Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Mr Ali Juma Shamuhuna, informed members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives that the government has increased funds to support students seeking higher learning education from 4bn/- last year to 8bn/- this year.

“At least for now, the budget allocation will enable us support many students. I believe it will be enough for all applicants in higher learning institutions,” said Mr Shamuhuna.

He also praised the government for allocating enough funds to purchase desks for students in schools. “We have built 13 new modern schools and eight more are under construction. In the near future, the issue of congestion in classrooms will be resolved,” he said.

Praising the 2012/2013 budget, the minister said Zanzibar has been prospering economically and asked representatives with negative views about the growth of the Isles’ economy to change.

By ISSA YUSSUF, Tanzania Daily News