Parents have blamed lack of resources and inadequate teachers for mass failures in secondary schools.
This was revealed in Dar es Salaam in a survey conducted through mobile phones messages across mainland Tanzania by a non-governmental organisation-Twaweza dubbed Form Four Examinations Results:
Citizens report on the learning crisis in Tanzania. Respondents were asked questions about their views on education and were also required to identify challenges and ways to improve.
The views were sought from 18 March to 3 April 2013 before the recent announcement by the government of the annulment of the 2012 For Four results. Twaweza researchers led by Mr Elvis Mushi said that parents largely focused on teachers and various associated issues as primary reasons for the recent failure.
“More than half of the parents interviewed suggest that to improve the education system, the government should either increase number, quality or salary of teachers and ensure they were paid on time,” reads the report.
It further said that five out of 10 parents (54 per cent) with children in primary or secondary schools cited low teacher motivation, qualification or number. “Correspondingly, three out of 10 parents (34 per cent) blamed teachers for the recent examination failures, second only to government which blamed by about 4 out of 10 parents (38 per cent),” reads another part.
Commenting on the findings, Mr Mushi said “Parents are clearly aware that the education system is failing their children. They are trying to play an active role in their children’s education and are asking teachers and the government to do the same.”
The Head of Twaweza, Mr Rakesh Rajani said “….motivating and holding teachers to account are key to improving education in the country.”
By HILDA MHAGAMA, Tanzania Daily News
