We need to rescue education sector as soon as practicable

By Editor

 A recent statement by Professor Humphrey Moshi of the University of Dar es Salaam on the current status of education in Tanzania is shocking even though factual.

 

Professor Moshi said Tanzania is of recent years facing what he described  as ‘the demise of education’. He based  the argument on the annual performance of Form Four graduates.

 

The trend of the results from 2009 to last year reveals a worrying downward spiral. This, according to academicians  spells major challenges for the development of the country given the fact that education is the backbone of the development of any country.

 

Obviously education is a pillar of development for any country. When we talk about education it is the quality education we talk about which can provide answers to the problems that we face.

 

He said for example that to a large extent, the success or failure of students directly hinges on mastery of the language of instruction, English.

 

A student must be able to read, write, speak and to listen to English effectively if he is going to do well in his exams.

 

He also pointed out that these language problems are not necessarily related to intelligence and that a skill in one language area does not mean equal skill in the others.

 

He however remained optimistic that students can still perform well even if they attend community public schools, especially now that secondary education is also offered free.  

 

He emphasized that a classroom of students is the collective product of all the educators, support staff, classmates, parents and the environment.

The professor’s argument is supported by one of the reports of HakiElimu that says that the country’s poor quality of education  is the outcome of non-motivation of teachers.

 

The report says in part that there is to some extent poor teaching  and quality of teachers in the country which the  country’s  2014 education policy has been on  ion the qualifications required  for a person to become a teacher.

 

Also, the policy, according to the NGO, has failed to  address the question of immediate  changes  that are necessary to ensure graduating students are able to compete in the employment market.

 

To improve the situation, the analysis suggested  enhancement of teacher competences, motivation, supervision, availability of teaching  and learning materials  as well as improvement of the teaching and learning environment.

 

It also urged the government to come up with strong  strategies  to ensure universal  access to education by bridging the existing gap between the poor and the rich.

 

We are saying education will be very much going with country’s development pace if it finds ways in educating learners and training competent teachers.

 

If this is not done, obviously we will witness what Professor Moshi stated, “ the demise of education” in the country. (ends)