Tanzania’s New Education Curriculum: A Leap Forward or a Step Back?
A significant overhaul of Tanzania’s education system is on the horizon, set to take effect from January 2024. The reform, encompassing pre-primary, primary, and secondary education, forms part of the government’s drive to meet practical training objectives. The Education Commissioner, Dr. Lyabwene Mtahabwa, further elucidated the changes.
New Curriculum, New Beginning
The restructured curriculum will be introduced initially for pre-primary, first, second, and third-grade students. Basic education will now span six years before learners advance to secondary education. The updated syllabus for lower secondary education will commence in January 2024. Specialized schools will offer dual certificates: one from the National Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (NACTVET) and another from the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (Necta). The general secondary stream will grant students a single certificate from Necta.
A New Educational Framework
The forthcoming curriculum will adopt a 1-6-4-2-3-3 structure, signifying one year for pre-primary, six for primary, four for lower secondary, two or three for upper secondary vocational stream, and three or more for higher education, depending on the specific program. Compulsory and tuition-free primary and secondary education will necessitate a continuous ten-year enrollment period, beginning at age five for pre-primary and age six for primary education.
New subjects, including Tanzanian History and Ethics, will be introduced, while computer studies, professional communication, and business education will gain precedence. English language instruction will commence from the first grade in both public and private schools, a departure from the previous norm in public schools where English was taught from the third grade.
Challenges Ahead
The academic year will comprise 194 days, split into two equal terms, with two weeks per term allocated for continuous assessment and final exams. However, the implementation of such far-reaching changes faces significant hurdles. Concerns have been raised regarding the insufficient budget allocation for education, the scarcity of crucial educational materials like desks and books, and the feasibility of maintaining the proposed standard of 45 students per classroom. Doubts also linger about the effectiveness of the curriculum’s implementation, as well as the ability and motivation of teachers to meet the new demands, especially with the introduction of English language instruction from the first grade.
The ultimate goal of the curriculum is to cultivate a well-educated Tanzanian, equipped with knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes. It aims to foster individuals who value equality, justice, and lifelong education, contributing to sustainable national and international development. Whether the new curriculum will meet these lofty objectives remains to be seen, but the anticipation is palpable as Tanzania prepares for this significant educational reform.
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