Tanzania Gemological Center (TGC) in Arusha is set for an Sh19 billion expansion project. As part of the state-funded project, other structures including an eight-storey building will be built.
Doto Biteko, the minister for minerals, stated that the tower will include, among other things, lecture rooms for the increasing number of students. He made this announcement recently at the center’s first graduation ceremony for mineral polishers who had completed extensive training.
Modern laboratories, training workshops, new hostels, and a business center for mineral dealers will all be part of the facility’s massive expansion.
Arusha Gemstone Carving Center was its initial name from 2003 until 2009 when Tanzania Gemology Center became its official name. The center’s expanded mandate, which currently includes training in lapidary, jewelry training, and gemology, necessitated the changes.
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Significance of the Tanzania Gemological Center
According to Dr. Biteko, the government is keen to have a sufficient number of experts in cutting-edge technologies for mineral processing. Well-cut or polished minerals, particularly gemstones, increased their value in both local and international markets.
To increase value addition, Tanzania Gemological Center, a vocational training center, provided in-house training in the gem and rock carving. Since 2014, 274 students have graduated from short courses at Tanzania Gemological Center. This is according to the center’s coordinator, Daniel Kidesheni.
38 of the 78 students who had enrolled for training at the facility in 2019 graduated recently and were awarded diplomas. It was revealed that 40 of the 78 students who had enrolled for the training could not complete the course. This is because they were unable to raise the fees needed.
