Kagera records 72pc STD I enrolment

KAGERA: KAGERA Region has recorded a total of 71,550 pupils enrolled in Standard One, representing 72.4 per cent of the target. Kagera Regional Education Officer, Mr Michael Lighola, said that of the enrolled children, 35,406 are boys and 36,144 are girls. He added that as of January 23 this year, about 65,327 children had been enrolled in Nursery schools, with 32,614 boys and 32,717 girls.

Mr Lighola urged education stakeholders, including parents and teachers, to work closely with schools to enhance performance. He further directed them to ensure that no child is left behind or expelled due to lack of uniforms or textbooks.

He also revealed that a total of 42,751 students have been selected to join Form One this year, out of 59,254 students who sat for the 2025 examinations, equivalent to 72.2 per cent of the target.

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“The government is committed to ensuring that all children learn in a conducive environment through the construction of classrooms and other infrastructures,” he said.

Tanzania’s Education and Training Policy of 2014 (2023 edition) underscore that education is a crucial tool for producing educated citizens capable of contributing to the nation’s development agenda.

Mr Lighola cautioned parents and teachers against practices that deny children their right to education, warning that such acts serve no public interest and may fuel problems such as gender-based violence.

He encouraged teachers and school leaders to support parents in developing actions and attitudes that prioritise children’s learning. “In-school activities may represent the first step towards engaging parents with learning. Consistent and genuine communication, even though small moments of connection, can help build mutually beneficial partnerships between parents and teachers,” Mr Lighola said.

He added: “The challenge for schools and children’s education and care settings is to improve parental engagement by prioritising ongoing, contextualised support interventions and programmes that address the distinct needs of diverse parental communities.”

Data show that truancy is the leading cause of school dropouts, with indiscipline being the second biggest factor.