Free education retains more girls in school
THE provision of fee free education in the country has increased the number of girls attending school in Chemba District.
This was revealed here on Wednesday during the launch of the second phase project aimed at addressing barriers which hinder girls and boys from accessing education and thus reduce absenteeism.
The Tanzania Education Network (TEN/MET) Project Manager, Kenneth Nchimbi said that the research and evaluation conducted by his organization through Women Wake Up non-governmental organization (WOWAP) in Chemba District revealed that the challenge of school absenteeism for girls has decreased.
“The challenge of female student absenteeism in our district has dropped to 7 per cent in primary schools and five percent in secondary schools, and this is due to the government efforts to provide fee free education,” he said.
“But along with the government’s efforts to provide free education, incentives such as the distribution of bags with solar energy panels, learning opportunities and trips made by ambassadors have resulted into positive results, such as increase in the number of girls attending school, improve their performance,” he said.
He said that the research evaluation showed that the first phase of the project implementation has been successful by reducing the number of student drop out especially for girls.
“The first phase of this project funded by Malala Fund has helped to increase the number of female students who stay and continue with their studies, the assessment shows that more than 95 percent of girls are in schools continuing with their studies,” he said.
He explained that the assessment was conducted in six schools in Chemba District and found that girls’ performance in national examinations has increased.
Mr Nchimbi mentioned schools that were involved in the assessment as Kelema Maziwani Primary School, Kwa Mtoro Secondary School, Soya Primary School, Mrijo Secondary School, Millet Primary School and Soya Secondary School.
“Changes in perception was also noted as among the reason for decrease in girls drop out. Community members have understood the importance of encouraging girls to complete their studies and discourage early marriages,” he said.
Mr Nchimbi further said that there are few areas which need to be worked on, including training on life skills, public awareness, strategies to maintain school clubs and boys’ involvement in school clubs.
