Secondary schools open their doors in Tanzania
26 March 2008
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Tanzania
country profile | Millennium
Development Goal 2: Education
In recent years, as more of Tanzania's children have passed their primary
school leaving exams, demand for secondary school places has grown. To meet
this demand, the Tanzanian Government is spending more money on secondary
education, helped by DFID's contribution to the national budget. New schools
are being built, but it is crucial that there are enough books, teachers and
even desks for all the new pupils.
Building the right atmosphere
 Kiromo
Secondary School, 10 kilometres outside Bagamoyo town, has a just-moved-in
feel. The cement walls have dried but are waiting to be painted, the offices are divided by newly erected hardboard
walls, and some windows are not yet finished.
But for Evance
Haule, the head teacher, the important thing is that the school has opened its doors to students. "We are building a good school atmosphere and will finish the construction
work soon," he says.
Though he is full of hope, Evance is also aware of the challenges that lie
ahead. For example, though the school has four classrooms, only two are
available for lessons. The other two house the offices and
the store. "We are building
more classrooms," says Evance, "but we will have to accommodate our 175 students
in the two classrooms for the time being."
Another problem is a shortage of staff and teaching materials. Currently,
the school has only six teachers. "We are struggling to find two science
teachers," explains Evance, "let alone the books to teach those subjects."
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Eager students
 In
the face of these setbacks, Kiromo's pupils are making the most of the
chance to learn. Seventeen-year-old Hamada Iddy was among the first students to be admitted to the new school.
His class is packed with eager students, some of whom sit on makeshift
benches.
"It is difficult to study with so little space," Hamada admits. "But despite the problems, I'm
pleased to be able to continue my education. If this new school had not
opened, I would have had to travel a long distance to the nearest school."
Evance testifies to the mood of enthusiasm that is running through Kiromo.
"The children are happy to be studying after a long wait for a new secondary
school close to home," he beams.
The Tanzanian Government is aware of the issues faced by schools like Kiromo.
To ensure that children receive a quality education after leaving primary school,
it is increasing the money it spends on the running of public secondary schools.
More classrooms, equipped with books, essential facilities and skilled teachers
is one of the best ways that Tanzania can guarantee a prosperous future.
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Key facts
- DFID's funding to the Government of Tanzania is given through
general budget
support. For 2007-08 this amounts to £105 million.
- The Government of Tanzania has allocated 22% of its budget to
education for 2007-08. Government spending on secondary schools
increased from 40 billion Tanzanian shillings in 2005-06 to 62
billion Tanzanian shillings in 2006-07, and is projected to increase
to 103 billion Tanzanian shillings in 2007-08.
- Primary school enrolment in Tanzania is currently at 97%, and the number of
Standard Seven students who pass the Primary School leaving exam has
risen to more than 60% in 2007 (compared to only 22% in 2000).
- In 2002, 1,659,847 children (twice as many than in 2001) entered the
first year of primary school in Tanzania as a consequence of the
abolition of primary school fees. Since 2001, the number of
teachers is up by a quarter and the number of schools is up by a fifth.
- Tanzania's secondary education plan was launched in 2004. Only 30%
of primary school leavers attend secondary school.
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