Survey demonstrates impact of Tanzania Schools Project

A recent survey conducted among Barabaig tribe children in Tanzania shows the growing impact of Farm Africa’s schools project in Tanzania.

Through its schools project, Farm Africa is working with the Tanzanian government to increase enrolment of boys and girls from pastoralist communities in primary education. We are also working with the government to facilitate a move away from traditional teaching methods towards education which, through the teaching of modern and innovative agricultural techniques, is more relevant to Tanzania’s children. This is because the vast majority of Tanzanian students will go on to live in rural areas and will continue to depend on agriculture for their long-term income.

The project is thriving: Farm Africa’s survey charted a rise from 80% to 88% of Barabaig boys, and from 70% to 91% of girls, who are enrolled in the first year of primary school. Data from the survey also indicated that in 2010 94% of both boys and girls from the relevant age group completed primary education.

Farm Africa’s project runs across 24 Tanzanian schools. The increased enrolment rate is leading to an increase in the overall uptake of innovative agricultural learning and experience among Tanzanian children. Farm Africa is actively training Tanzanian teachers in this new “Discovery Learning”, which focuses on developing practical agricultural skills among Tanzanian children. Their new skills will help underpin these children’s long-term future development. Students are equipped with the seeds, tools, equipment and livestock to develop practical skills which they can also take home and share with their families. As part of this process six rainwater harvesting tanks in schools have been completed since April 2011.

To ensure that “Discovery Learning” takes a real root in schools, Farm Africa is developing ‘environmental clubs’ for schools. The clubs play a key role in the development of long-term knowledge of agricultural practices and environmental protection among students. In recent months these clubs have been fully registered in ten schools participating in the project, and 14 more are now close to being fully registered. The clubs have developed important resources including educational posters, distributed to all 24 schools within the project. These posters supply visual information to students in key knowledge areas such as planting of fruit trees, maize, beans and other indigenous vegetables.

FARM Africa is also working hard to ensure maximum outreach and communication of its educational projects to village leaders and school committee members. Project leaders are gaining the support of District Educational Boards (DEBs), and in recent weeks Farm Africa has developed an agreement with a DEB which can be used as a template document to encourage wide take-up of this approach.

The very real impact this project is having on the lives of Tanzanian children is thanks to the wonderful support of Farm Africa’s supporters. If you would like to make a donation to support this project and our other projects, please click here.