How is education in Tanzania?
Tanzania is an East African country, bordered to the north by Kenya and Uganda, to the west by Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the south by Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique, and to the east by the Indian Ocean.
This country receives different influences as it is surrounded by countries with diverse cultures, and this is directly reflected in all aspects.
Today, we will share how education works in Tanzania, as at Cooperating Volunteers, during your volunteerexperience, you can participate in the teaching project located in Arusha.
Its ethnic and linguistic diversity, which we have mentioned in another blog post, consists of more than 120 ethnic groups, each with its own language and traditions.
However, Swahili is the official language and serves as a unifying force in the nation. English is also widely spoken.
Education in Tanzania is structured at several levels and has evolved in recent years to improve accessibility and teaching quality, although it still faces significant challenges.
The structure is as follows:
Preschool Education
Preschool education in Tanzania is optional and intended for children aged 5 to 6. This level is an introduction to learning, but it is not mandatory to enter primary education.
Primary Education
It is free and mandatory for children aged 7 to 13, lasting seven years (Standard 1 to Standard 7). At the end of primary school, students must pass a national exam to move on to the next level. However, not all students manage to advance, which limits opportunities for some students from low-income backgrounds.
Secondary Education (divided into two cycles)
○ Ordinary Cycle (Form 1 to Form 4): This corresponds to four years of basic secondary education, for students aged approximately 14 to 17. At the end, students must pass the Secondary Education Certificate Examination to continue.
○ Advanced Cycle (Form 5 and Form 6): This is an optional two-year cycle for those seeking to enter university or higher education. At the end of this cycle, students take an entrance exam for university.
Higher Education
Students who pass the final exam of the advanced cycle can access university or technical and vocational training programs. Tanzania has both public and private universities, including the University of Dar es Salaam, which is one of the most prestigious in the country.
As previously mentioned, the official language is Swahili, which is the medium of instruction in primary education. The Tanzanian government has prioritized the use of Swahili to promote inclusive and accessible education. On the other hand, English is gradually introduced in secondary education and becomes the teaching language at the university level. However, this language switch between primary and secondary education is a challenge for many students, especially those in rural areas.
SOME CHALLENGES
Access and Equity: Although primary education is free, it is difficult to access well-equipped schools in some rural areas. In addition, the cost of materials, uniforms, and transportation is a barrier for low-income families.
Quality of Education: The lack of sufficient resources, such as teaching materials and trained personnel, limits the quality of education. Classes are often overcrowded, especially in rural areas.
Infrastructure and Resources: Many schools in Tanzania lack adequate facilities, such as classrooms, toilets, and access to clean water. Technology and modern educational materials are also limited.
Regional and Gender Disparities: There are significant differences between urban and rural areas. In rural areas, dropout rates are higher, especially among girls, who often face cultural and economic barriers.
Gender Inequality: Although Tanzania has made efforts to promote gender equality in education, challenges remain. Many girls drop out of school due to factors such as early marriage, teenage pregnancy, and family responsibilities.
The government has implemented various reforms in recent years to improve the education system. Since 2015, it has eliminated school fees at the primary level to ensure that all children have access. They have also worked on building and improving schools in underserved areas. Through Cooperating Volunteers and the challenges created by participants or the Cooperating NGO, we have supported projects to build and improve the conditions for many students.
Tanzania has also invested in teacher training and programs to improve the quality of education, especially in underserved areas.
Additionally, Tanzania receives support from several international organizations, such as UNICEF, the World Bank, and UNESCO, which have developed programs to improve educational infrastructure, teacher training, and access to educational materials in local languages.
Although it is a developing country in terms of education, many challenges remain.
So, within our possibilities, we must continue to support access to quality education for all, as it is a right.