News release
GOVERNMENT AND DONORS URGED TO IMPROVE EDUCATION

A group of national and international development organizations are today celebrating the Day of the African Child. On the occasion they are renewing a calling to the Government of Tanzania and international donors to focus on improving the quality of education by ensuring all primary schools have enough classrooms, textbooks, desks and toilets to meet student demands as well as supporting in-service teacher training.

"There are so many more children in primary school now than 5 years ago” says Joseph Kisanji, Coordinator of the Tanzania Education Network. “However, we must make the school a place where children can learn. They desperately need more textbooks and desks and their teachers need adequate training in interactive teaching approaches and effective use of teaching/learning materials.”

Teachers play such a crucial role in improving the quality of the education system but receive little professional development and support. Recruiting a sufficient number of teachers and retaining them, especially in rural areas, is a problem that must be addressed if education is to be effective.

“As educationalists, we are very concerned about challenges teachers face especially in rural areas. Teacher housing is a problem and there is so little training. The Government and donors must work together to make sure these needs are addressed so children get a decent education.”

One way to start addressing these needs is for the Government and donors to ensure the budget reflects full funding of the $10 per child capitation grant and that there is a clear and predictable timeline by which these monies are dispersed to schools.

A recent Public Expenditure Tracking Survey has found that 40% of the grant money has not reached schools. This money will make a vital difference in helping headteachers and school committees to effectively plan and implement quality improvements, keeping children in school and getting an education.

These organizations are making the following recommendations:

· The Government and donors to invest in equipment and learning materials for all primary schools by lowering the textbook ratio to 2:1, desk ratio to 3:1, and opening libraries in all schools.
· The Government introduces an incentive package for teachers to help improve living conditions, particularly for those in rural areas, and provides material and financial support in ensuring consistent in-service training and continuous professional development for all teachers.
· Government and donors ensures the budget reflects full funding of the $10 per child capitation grant and there is a clear and predictable timeline by which these monies are disbursed to schools.

TEN/MET members supporting the activities and recommendations include Action Aid, CARE, FAWETZ, HakiElimu, Kivulini, Oxfam GB and Save the Children.