Punish bus conductors with vulgar language

TANZANIA: THERE is a culture in the transport industry in urban areas, especially in Dar es Salaam where some conductors of public buses avoid taking pupils, simply because they pay 200/- as fare instead of 600/- and above adults pay.

This must stop. As you drive in the city in the peak hours, you will see how children are stranded with no imminent solution to their transport woes.

The adults (read parents) who are supposed to defend or talk on their behalves are busy scurrying to board and get seats.

This is business as usual despite several cautions to the drivers of public buses to allow them onboard, because they are also passengers just like any other.

As this trend continues, we tend to take for granted that these children will be used to the situation and once back in classes, they will forget and concentrate in their studies.

We ought to know that children (pupils) brought in such scenarios develop trauma and at times hate school life, simply because it is associated with psychological torture they experience in the hands of rogue conductors calling them chenga (loosely translated as residues) and other unprintable words.

Also read: http://‘TZ Youth voices matter in global governance’

In fact, research has shown that child trauma survivors may experience: Learning problems, including lower grades and more suspensions and expulsions as well as increased use of health and mental health services.

In the long run, we shall have a population that is not educated, simply because from childhood they were discouraged by unfriendly transport system in the public when going to school.

In comparison, a highly educated population possesses the abilities and expertise required for innovation, entrepreneurship, and solving complex societal problems.

This, in turn, fosters sustainable development and competitiveness on the global stage. There are numerous benefits to empowering youth through education right from childhood.

Firstly, education enhances critical thinking, problemsolving, and decision-making skills. It encourages individuals to analyse complex issues and make informed decisions based on evidence and logic.

Education increases one’s chances of landing a better job.

Education not only produces a well-informed population, but it also stimulates economic growth and raises a country’s GDP. It enables people to live a healthy, quality lifestyle while maintaining a high standard of living. And it also aids in the development of critical thinking skills, the promotion of creativity and innovation, and the preparation of citizens for leadership roles.

When citizens are supplied with the necessary knowledge and skills, they can contribute effectively to various industries and sectors, thus enhancing a country’s economic competitiveness.

With these in mind, it is high time the government reinforces law that protects children in the public transport so that they are motivated to go to school.

At the same time the law must be tough on public bus conducts who use vulgar language against students, simply because they are paying the mandatory 200/- as fares