Coalition to track students formed

HAZLA OMAR in Arumeru

MOST schools in Arusha have started keeping records of their expenditures after receiving money from the government, to support President Magufuli’s Free Education initiative.

In another development, teachers, parents and community members have formed a coalition through which they can monitor the wellbeing and performance of pupils and students in particular schools.

That came to light during the ‘Friends of Education Day’ organised by the education oriented Non-Government Organisation of Haki-Elimu, during which a special report on how some of the learning institutions in Arusha had adopted the ‘Free Education,’ policy was unveiled.

“During our research conducted in 15 primary and five secondary schools sampled in Arumeru District, we discovered that 18 out of the 20 learning institutions were keeping clear and transparent records on how they spent money disbursed by the government,” said Ms Habiba Swedi one of the ‘friends of education,’ members who conducted the study.

But Ms Swedi, the Haki-Elimu programme officer in charge of community engagement and action, said the State should increase the amount of money sent to schools because commodity prices constantly changed and some schools had more needs than others depending on location and distance.

She furthermore said that community members should make active follow-ups on issues of education, to enable them step in to offer assistance when needed.

“We are happy that, some members of the community are now taking this initiative to help the schools in their localities perform better,” she said.