We must not believe the many, who say that only free people ought to be educated, but we should rather believe the philosophers who say that only the educated are free. Epictetus
The Tanzanian government school system is constructed differently than that in the US. The major technical difference is that in the US, school is free and every child has the right to attend. And though there are many children in the US who value education, in Tanzania it is considered a privilege to attend school.
The major challenges which prevent kids from attending school are many, including shortage of schools and teachers and inability of families to pay for school fees and expenses. In some cases, the adults of the household require the students to quit school to get married, help with younger kids and work around the home. Or, some adults in the homes may value education, but they themselves are uneducated and are therefore unable to help with homework. Additionally, students may live a long distance from their school and are required to walk up to two hours each way. Due to lack of electricity in the homes, once it is dark, students have no light for homework and reading. But despite all these rather daunting hurdles, these students sincerely do their best to go to school and stay in school.
A major obstacle for attending school is cost. Students are required to pay school fees, for uniforms, food, materials and if they are placed in a school away from home, boarding fees. The total costs for primary school is approximately $40.00 per year. The cost of secondary school is as much as $400 to $800 per year for government schools. Obviously if the student is placed in a secondary school in another village or city, there is a cost for boarding which can bring the total up to $900.00 or more. The fact that many families survive on less than a dollar or two a day means that many families cannot afford to send their kids to school. Or families can afford to send only one of their children to school. Imagine having to decide which of your children will have a chance for success in life and which will not?
Movement from primary to secondary school requires the
student to pass a national exam. Shockingly, more than half
the students do not pass the exam. In 1999, 20% passed, in
2002, 27% passed and in 2005, the pass rate improved to
49%. Those who do not pass the exam and cannot afford
private school must simply end their education. Also, less
than one half of one percent (.27%) of students in Tanzania
goes on to University!
If
students score well enough on the national exam, they will
be assigned to a government school, based on their score.
Students do not choose which school they will attend. Also,
there is a shortage of secondary schools, so students may
do well enough on exams to go on, but will not get placed
in a government school, thus ending their education. Little
economic opportunity or hope for the future exists for
people who do not complete secondary education.
In school, students are instructed in the subjects of
English, Swahili (the national language), mathematics,
civics, government, science and history. In both primary
and secondary schools, subjects are taught in English so
that students will have good working knowledge of a
language which will link them to the rest of the world. In
some cases, this instruction in English creates a barrier
if students did not get good training at the primary school
level. Many schools do not have computers, putting them at
a disadvantage in keeping up with technology. Also, many of
the facilities are in ill repair, there is a shortage of
books and materials and electricity is unreliable and can
shut off at any time. Currently there is a severe shortage
of teachers in Tanzania and they are not paid well enough
to sustain a decent lifestyle. Average salaries are $150.00
to $300.00 per month. It is difficult to hire and retain
good teachers.
Despite cultural and logistical differences, there are some
striking similarities between African kids and those from
the US. They love running and playing, teasing, kicking a
soccer ball or empty plastic bottle, showing off for one
another and hamming it up for photos. They are fun loving,
well behaved and eager to learn. They do not take their
education for granted.
It is
well known that lack of education is a leading cause of
poverty in the developing world. Children must have the
opportunity to attend school so they can become part of the
agent for changing the system and achieving personal
success in life. This is where Elimu Africa comes in. Our
goal is to provide resources to allow these kids the
opportunity to pursue their education.
Education is
the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the
world.
Nelson Mandela
Statistics
Primary
School
- 60% of students attend primary school
- Teacher to student ratio is 58 to 1
- 12% of students are from rural areas and 88% from urban areas
Secondary School
- In 2000, 5% of the male population attended and 10% of the female population.
Relationship to health and secondary schooling
| No Schooling | Secondary Schooling | |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy rate: | 70% | 40% |
| AIDS awareness/prevention: | 30% | 78% |
Also it was found that secondary school attendance is associated with lower infant death rate, better use of health care and higher vaccination rate.
Unfortunately, only about 10% of eligible students attain secondary education.