The 2013 Form Two National Examinations are set to take place between October 7 and 21 and 531,457 candidates are expected to sit for the same, the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training revealed on Wednesday.
Addressing journalists in Dar es Salaam, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Prof Sifuni Mchome, said that among the candidates 270,734, which is 50.9 per cent are girls and the remaining 260,723 (49.1) are boys.
Prof Mchome said that the examinations will be held in 4,437 schools for this year contrary to last year’s 4,297 schools.
“This year, the number of schools where the exams are to be held has increased by 3.3 per cent. The exams are set in a way that would help measure students’ understanding in various disciplines,” Prof Mchome said.
He added that among candidates who registered include those with visual impairment and those who are totally blind.
According to Prof Mchome, those with visual problems are 93 while those who are blind are 89.
The Ministry has urged students to intensify commitment to their studies by focusing on standards and adopting book reading culture.
“We appeal to teachers, parents and other education stakeholders to continue supporting and building confidence among students so that they sit for their exams with utmost hope,” he said.
He urged the general public to participate in fulfilling the needs of students and to maintain conducive school environment.
Though different challenges face the education sector, Prof Mchome asked Form Two students in the country to use this opportunity to show the nation that they have the ability to perform and are strong enough to perform well in exams.
By FATMA ABDU, Tanzania Daily News
