Tanzania celebrates the Day of the African Child
Today several thousand children, parents, teachers, civil society organizations and government officials gathered in Shinyanga to celebrate the Day of the African Child through the voices of children. The day started with a march from Jomo primary school in the center of town. Led by a brass band, over a thousand children wearing white headbands with messages asking for more books, teachers, desks and the full $10 per child capitation grant to be paid to schools on time made their way to Kambarage Stadium. Here they were welcomed by the District Commissioner Mrs. Mansweta Sanka and entertained by classmates performing traditional dances, songs, poems, and a drama production. Especially moving was the testimony of two orphans struggling to get an education. The participants sent messages to the Government of Tanzania and members of the G8 joining with others throughout Africa in the Global Call to Action Against Poverty. In doing so, a specific call went out to the Government to meet targets set by the Millennium Development Goals and MKUKUTA. Also on the occasion a press release was issued by a group of national and international organizations calling on the government and donors to improve education.
Tanzania celebrates the Day of the African Child
Today several thousand children, parents, teachers, civil society organizations and government officials gathered in Shinyanga to celebrate the Day of the African Child through the voices of children. The day started with a march from Jomo primary school in the center of town. Led by a brass band, over a thousand children wearing white headbands with messages asking for more books, teachers, desks and the full $10 per child capitation grant to be paid to schools on time made their way to Kambarage Stadium. Here they were welcomed by the District Commissioner Mrs. Mansweta Sanka and entertained by classmates performing traditional dances, songs, poems, and a drama production. Especially moving was the testimony of two orphans struggling to get an education. The participants sent messages to the Government of Tanzania and members of the G8 joining with others throughout Africa in the Global Call to Action Against Poverty. In doing so, a specific call went out to the Government to meet targets set by the Millennium Development Goals and MKUKUTA. Also on the occasion a press release was issued by a group of national and international organizations calling on the government and donors to improve education.
News release
GOVERNMENT AND DONORS URGED TO IMPROVE EDUCATION
A group of national and international development organizations are today celebrating the Day of the African Child. On the occasion they are renewing a calling to the Government of Tanzania and international donors to focus on improving the quality of education by ensuring all primary schools have enough classrooms, textbooks, desks and toilets to meet student demands as well as supporting in-service teacher training.
"There are so many more children in primary school now than 5 years ago” says Joseph Kisanji, Coordinator of the Tanzania Education Network. “However, we must make the school a place where children can learn. They desperately need more textbooks and desks and their teachers need adequate training in interactive teaching approaches and effective use of teaching/learning materials.”
Teachers play such a crucial role in improving the quality of the education system but receive little professional development and support. Recruiting a sufficient number of teachers and retaining them, especially in rural areas, is a problem that must be addressed if education is to be effective.
“As educationalists, we are very concerned about challenges teachers face especially in rural areas. Teacher housing is a problem and there is so little training. The Government and donors must work together to make sure these needs are addressed so children get a decent education.”
One way to start addressing these needs is for the Government and donors to ensure the budget reflects full funding of the $10 per child capitation grant and that there is a clear and predictable timeline by which these monies are dispersed to schools.
A recent Public Expenditure Tracking Survey has found that 40% of the grant money has not reached schools. This money will make a vital difference in helping headteachers and school committees to effectively plan and implement quality improvements, keeping children in school and getting an education.
These organizations are making the following recommendations:
· The Government and donors to invest in equipment and learning materials for all primary schools by lowering the textbook ratio to 2:1, desk ratio to 3:1, and opening libraries in all schools.
· The Government introduces an incentive package for teachers to help improve living conditions, particularly for those in rural areas, and provides material and financial support in ensuring consistent in-service training and continuous professional development for all teachers.
· Government and donors ensures the budget reflects full funding of the $10 per child capitation grant and there is a clear and predictable timeline by which these monies are disbursed to schools.
TEN/MET members supporting the activities and recommendations include Action Aid, CARE, FAWETZ, HakiElimu, Kivulini, Oxfam GB and Save the Children.