How We World Tanzania is shaping education standards

TANZANIA: ENHANCEMENT of education standards requires coordinated efforts from different key players with each having a specific area to focus on for the sake of bringing the demanded results.

This is so upon realizing that producing efficiency in this sector cannot be the task of government alone, but rather other stakeholders must come aboard the vessel.

There are several challenges on the ground that needs to be tackled first before one can walk in defiance and be proud of the major improvements made in this key sector.

It is good to see that in Tanzania, there are many organisations working together with government for the sake of uplifting education and most of them are doing commendable job.

Going in the field and seeing what is exactly happening there is among the remedies that to a big extent play a big role in eradicating education setbacks.

This cannot happen overnight…it needs time and essential mechanisms not forgetting regular field visits to assess implementation of the projects that have been set up.

Time is here to encourage the spirit of solving problems directly where they occur other than tackling them while seated comfortably in offices, a trend that has to be avoided at all cost.

A lot is being done by the government to improve learning and teaching infrastructures which is fundamental when it comes to promoting education in the country.

As already stressed, the government alone cannot achieve excellence in this important sector; it too deserves maximum support from the mushrooming organisations, which have a purpose to drive education forward.

We World Tanzania is among the organisations executing tangible works in shaping the education standards and ensuring that some of the challenges hindering the growth of this sector are addressed.

In case studies, there are several interventions they are engaged in, especially in education like trainings to more than 200 teachers on active learning methodologies, guidance and counselling not forgetting positive child and youth development.

Also, they have been involved in establishing extracurricular and remedial programmes for 5,000 high risk students, blending education with plays through eduentertainment for inclusivity and creativity to reduce dropouts.

Furthermore, We World Tanzania has engaged in the creation of counseling sessions for more than 5000 parents on positive, nonviolent discipline in child development for positive parent-child interactions.

Again, they are implementing a school -based feeding program in Ludewa District located in Njombe Region, rehabilitating and constructing education facilities with 10 schools targeted so far.

According to We World Tanzania Assistant Country Representative Ms. Winfrida Kaheshi in Dar es Salaam, they support some schools located in Temeke and Kinondoni Districts.

“There are several programmes that we fulfill in schools including renovation of facilities like classrooms, latrines, water points as well as distribution of teaching and learning materials.

“These include furniture, desks, tables and mattresses for children with disabilities to create a conducive learning environment,” she pointed out.

Adding, Kaheshi pointed out that they also ensure that children have access to safe and quality education with a strong focus on increasing school retention for the most vulnerable children.

“As you know, vulnerable children are at high risk of disengagement and dropout hence it is very important to reach them and render the required support…we also implement nutrition and farming programs,” she said.

Additionally, she disclosed that they also strengthen child protection structures and psycho-social support for children, parents and teachers at the school and community levels.

She further revealed that in Tanzania, We World has been implementing several programmes since 2010, especially in Kigoma, Tanga, Mbeya, Njombe, Mtwara, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. “In particular, the schoolcentered programmes are focused in 34 Primary Schools located in Dar es Salaam and Njombe Region.

“These projects have reached 28,000 direct beneficiaries mainly children, adolescents, parents, school personnel and local authorities.

“At We World Tanzania, we embrace the belief that education is a collective responsibility, hence, we actively involve all members of education community not forgetting various stakeholders to empower them in their roles for the betterment of children’s education,” she remarked.

Another essential intervention they do in schools is the Art Therapy that integrates psychotherapeutic techniques with the creative process to improve mental health and well-being.

This can be used to treat a wide range of mental disorders and psychological distress and some situations in which art therapy might be utilized include children with learning disabilities.

We World Tanzania were present during the 2024 Global Action Week for Education (GAWE) that happened in Geita Region where they had a chance to inform the public about what they do in fostering education development.