GEP programme cuts dropout rate for girls in 117 schools

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive education to ensure that both girls and boys receive quality education, are protected and enjoy access to all basic rights.

Director of Children’s Rights and Development at the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups (MoCDWGSG), Mr Mathias Haule made the remarks in Dar es Salaam recently during the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, organised by Room to Read.

The event brought together students from the Coast Region and Dar es Salaam, along with teachers and other stakeholders in child development. It was held under the theme: “I Am a Girl, a Champion for Change for the Tanzania We Want 2050.”

“The government values all children equally, both boys and girls, which is why we are working to create a child-friendly learning environment across all schools,” said Mr Haule. “These efforts are aimed at helping children achieve their dreams.”

During her presentation on “Strategies for Empowering Teachers in Nurturing Life Skills to Ensure Equality in Education Settings,” Director of Curriculum and Training at the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE), Ms Fika Mwakabungu said that the government has integrated gender considerations into major educational reforms introduced in 2023.

“Life Skills subjects have been introduced from primary to secondary school levels across the country. Teachers are receiving in-service training to empower them to teach life skills and improve student communication,” she said.

Director of Room to Read, Ms Joan Minja expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support, which has enabled the organisation to implement the Gender Equality Portfolio (GEP) programme. The initiative helps girls in school make informed decisions by building their life skills and communication abilities.

“With the support of the government, we have reached 16,867 girls in 117 government schools since 2012. As a result of these efforts, the dropout rate in these schools has dropped significantly from 18 per cent to just 2 per cent,” Ms Minja revealed.