Salary Scale for Contract Volunteer Teachers Under TAMISEMI’s GPE–TSP Project 2025

 

Understanding the Salary Scale for Contract Volunteer Teachers Under TAMISEMI’s GPE–TSP Project (Effective July 2025)

Introduction

Education is one of the most powerful drivers of national development, and teachers remain the heart of any education system. In Tanzania, the government has been working through various programs to ensure that every child has access to quality education. One such initiative is the Global Partnership for Education – Teacher Support Project (GPE–TSP), coordinated by the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI).
This project has created opportunities for contract volunteer teachers to support schools in delivering better learning outcomes, especially in underserved areas.

While the primary goal of the GPE–TSP Project is to strengthen education delivery, one question often asked by applicants and stakeholders is: What is the salary for teachers under this program?
This blog post provides an in-depth explanation of the salary scale, how it is determined, and what it means for teachers starting from July 2025.

Background on the GPE–TSP Project

The GPE–TSP Project is part of Tanzania’s broader commitment to improve education quality, teacher motivation, and school infrastructure. Funded through the Global Partnership for Education and implemented by TAMISEMI, the project focuses on:

• Recruiting contract volunteer teachers to fill staffing gaps in schools.
• Providing teacher training and professional development.
• Supplying teaching and learning materials.
• Enhancing school infrastructure and resource allocation.

Volunteer teachers under this program are not permanent government employees. Instead, they are hired on contract terms to serve in various primary and secondary schools, often in rural or hard-to-reach areas where teacher shortages are most severe.

The New National Minimum Wage: July 2025

In line with Tanzania’s economic development plans and cost-of-living adjustments, the government has announced that from July 2025, the national minimum wage for all professionals will be TZS 500,000 per month.

This means that regardless of profession — whether in education, healthcare, administration, or other fields — no employee should be paid less than TZS 500,000 per month for full-time work.
The adjustment reflects the government’s effort to protect workers’ purchasing power and improve living standards across all sectors. It also aligns Tanzania with regional wage benchmarks, promoting fairer pay and increased workforce retention.

Salary for Contract Volunteer Teachers: 80% of the Minimum Wage

Under the GPE–TSP Project, contract volunteer teachers will not receive the full national minimum wage applicable to permanent employees. Instead, their monthly pay will be calculated as 80% of that wage.

Here’s the breakdown:

National minimum wage from July 2025: TZS 500,000

Percentage paid to contract volunteer teachers: 80%

Monthly salary = 500,000 × 0.80
= TZS 400,000 per month

This amount is a fixed monthly stipend provided for the duration of the contract. It is important to note that this pay structure reflects the temporary, project-based nature of the position and the funding framework of the GPE–TSP Project.

Why 80% Instead of 100%?

There are several reasons why contract volunteer teachers are paid 80% of the national minimum wage:

1. Contract Nature of the Position
   Volunteer teachers under the GPE–TSP are not permanent public servants. Their contracts are usually short-term and project-based, meaning the benefits and salaries differ from those of permanent government employees.

2. Budgetary and Project Funding Constraints
   The GPE–TSP Project is funded through a combination of government resources and donor contributions. To maximize reach and ensure more schools receive additional teaching staff, the program adjusts salaries to fit within the available budget.

3. Incentive for Transition to Permanent Employment
   By keeping salaries slightly lower than the full minimum wage, the program encourages teachers to apply for permanent positions when vacancies arise, thus securing higher pay and full employment benefits.

Implications for Teachers

The 80% salary scale means that teachers under the GPE–TSP Project will earn TZS 400,000 per month from July 2025 onward. While this is lower than the wage for permanent employees, there are important factors to consider:

1. Opportunity for Experience and Career Growth

Many teachers see the GPE–TSP contracts as stepping stones toward permanent government employment. The experience gained through this program can significantly improve one’s chances in future recruitment exercises.

2. Service in Underserved Areas

Contract volunteer teachers are often posted to schools in rural or underserved regions. This provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children’s education where it is needed most.

3. Possibility of Renewed Contracts

Although the initial contracts are often for a specific term (e.g., one year), outstanding performance and continued project funding can lead to contract renewal.

4. Limited Benefits

It is important to note that contract volunteer teachers generally do not receive the full package of benefits available to permanent government teachers, such as pension contributions, medical coverage, or housing allowance.

Comparing with Other Salaries in the Workforce

In Tanzania, employees can be categorized into:

• Permanent government workers: Receive the full national minimum wage (TZS 500,000 from July 2025) plus allowances and benefits.
• Project-based contract workers (like GPE–TSP teachers): Receive 80% of the minimum wage (TZS 400,000) with limited benefits.
• Private sector workers: Salaries vary depending on the employer, and in some cases, especially in small private schools or businesses, pay may be lower than the government minimum unless regulated.

This shows that the GPE–TSP volunteer teacher salary is competitive in certain contexts, particularly in rural regions.

How the Salary is Paid

Under TAMISEMI’s administration, salaries for GPE–TSP teachers are processed monthly and deposited directly into the teacher’s bank account. Timely payment is a priority, although minor delays may occur during the onboarding phase or due to administrative processes.

Conclusion

The GPE–TSP Project is an important initiative in addressing Tanzania’s teacher shortage, particularly in underserved areas. From July 2025, contract volunteer teachers under this program will earn TZS 400,000 per month, which represents 80% of the new national minimum wage of TZS 500,000.

While this is less than the salary of permanent employees, it offers a valuable income opportunity and professional experience for aspiring educators. More importantly, it allows passionate individuals to contribute to the nation’s education system while positioning themselves for future career advancement.

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