Hi!
This is Hikaru. I am an art internship student in Tanzania.
Last week, I was given an opportunity to visit local public schools. “There are normally about 900 students and 40-50 teachers in a school during academic semesters”, says a president of one of the schools. Tanzania has two significant kinds of academic curriculum: national and European. Most public schools follow the national one, which provides exams before every medium and extended vacations. The time I visited the schools was at the very end of an exam season, just before long summer vacations, so there were not many students there, compared to regular days. That means the holiday classes, which are taught by intern and volunteer students, are coming soon to Art in Tanzania! Team leaders are busy organizing now. During holiday times, we arrange holiday classes for those who are behind in their studies, together with the schools. Holiday classes are also crucial for students from low-income families who cannot afford to participate in family holiday programs.
We are always welcoming those who are interested in teaching, supporting, or communicating with local kids! Details are available at the website of Art in Tanzania: http://www.artintanzania.org/
During the visitation, I was reminded of memories of my school life when I was their age. The kids at the schools are very well-behaved and energetic. Even though I did not understand what they were saying, I understood how they interacted with each other, played, or chatted. Their schools are similar to those I saw in other nations, such as Japan, the USA, or France. However, the Tanzanian school system is different from others.
Here in Tanzania, if students cannot pass their exams, they must repeat one more academic period to retake the exams and advance to the next class. At school, some students relax about their exams and enjoy playing with their peers. Some look stressed from studying for exams, especially at secondary schools. I was told that some people give up their education after they fail because they are embarrassed to remain in the same class with younger peers.
The Tanzanian government is investing more in the education system. The number of schools, students, and teachers, as well as their quality, is constantly improving.
I am grateful to Twiga Primary and Secondary School, Taguja Primary and Secondary School, Poani Primary School, and Kondo Secondary School for providing me with excellent opportunities.
YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWrFy1zaG8c&feature=youtu.be
