Zanzibar — IN a bid to fight unemployment in the country, the First Vice-President, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad, has advised relevant authorities to review the current curriculum.

He said many university graduates are unemployed because there is less demand of their professions. "I think it is high time to have our curriculum reviewed so that students concentrate on areas in demand," Hamad said in Matemwe, North Unguja where he officially opened a school.

He said higher learning institutions should help minimize the current shortage of skilled personnel like medical doctors, science teachers, and engineers, instead of having many graduates without jobs.

The function which is among various activities arranged to mark the 49th anniversary of Zanzibar's 1964 revolution was also an opportunity for the First Vice-President to condemn parents who deny their children right to education.

He said some parents deliberately refuse or discourage their children to go to school on unclear reasons stressing that all parents should make sure that their children attend school to their highest level possible.

Hamad also expressed disappointment over shortage of teachers, partly attributing it to lack of accommodation for teachers mainly in the rural areas.

He advised the Ministry for Educational and Vocational Training to spare no plans including renting houses for teachers. Mr Makame Juma, on behalf of parents, said despite achievements in developing the school, the area is still faced with shortage of safe water, lack of electricity, and rough roads.