GIVE EDUCATION DUE IMPORTANCE: APPEAL

Two classes in one room. The real situation of rural Tanzania primary schools.

By Fariji Msonsa ,The Citizen Reporter

Dar es Salaam. Parents have been urged to put education for their children as number one priority when setting their budgets because that is what will serve as best inheritance to them.

The call was made at a fund raising ceremony for completion of dormitories at St Gaudence Makoka for Mwenyeheri Anuarite Secondary School by the deputy minister for Health Dr Steven Kebwe who represented the Prime Minister.

Dr Kebwe said, judging from what has been happening, it was obvious that many parents didn’t give education of their children a priority.

He pointed out that most people were ready and can easily make contributions for nonessential events such as weddings, kitchen parties and send-offs, but they become hesitant when asked to contribute to education.

“It is good that Tanzanians do assist each other, but I advise that more emphasis be put on education as this area will ensure our development and better tomorrow for our children. Children can inherit houses, land or cars from their parents, but these things can also be lost. No one can take education from your child once he or she acquires it,” he said.

On the other hand, he commended religious institutions for their support on delivering various social services, including education and health.

“Religious institutions have played a great role in terms of promoting social services. This is also shown in good performance of church owned schools though even public schools are increasingly doing well. But many children including many of the country’s leaders got a chance to benefit from church initiatives,” he said.

For his part, the Priest in charge of the Makoka Parish Father Evarist Tarimo said money collected at yesterday’s event would be spent on completing the construction of boys’ dormitories which are complete by 80 per cent, build a dining hall and a kitchen.

The target was to raise at least Sh250 million from the fund raising, but only Sh41.26 million with Sh13.32 million in cash was obtained during the event.

He added that the school also planned to instal gas cookers as the country encourages people and institutions to use gas to save the environment.

The priest said, it has been difficult to get firewood due to shortage of trees, therefore the gas option would help solve the problem.
CREDIT SOURCE: THE CITIZEN