THE Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda has said as the nation goes for census today, stern measures await some schools, mostly private, for defying government orders.
The minister said the government is aware that several school owners did not heed to its directives to close their schools so as to give room for students to take part in the census.
Speaking to reporters here on Monday, Prof Mkenda said the government allowed flexibility on the school calendar, on condition that students must be with their families during the census period.
“It has come to our attention that some schools, most of them private schools in Dar es Salaam choose to allow students especially those in the national examination year to break on August 22 and resume on August 24, 2022, this is unacceptable,” he said.
“We had a good intention when the private sector asked for flexibility on the condition that during the census period, the students will be with their families, but some few have violated the agreement,” added the minister.
He said apart from students taking part in the census, they also need time to relax and rest as it is good for their mental and healthy mind as well.
“We have the names of some schools which have abused the use of the calendar, I have instructed the quality assurance officer to submit the list of the schools for further action,” insisted the minister.
“When you release the students on August 22nd this year, what about those from upcountry, will they manage to reach their destination as required that they must stay home during all census days and a school wants them back on August 24, this would not be allowed,” said Prof Mkenda
Recently, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said that preparations for the forthcoming National Population and Housing Census (PHC) 2022 have been completed with the majority of Tanzanians being aware of the crucial exercise.
He said until August 19th this year, 99 per cent of Tanzanians were aware that August 23rd (today) is census day.
He expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for facilitating preparations for the important exercise for the development of the country.
The PM assured Msomera residents that they will be counted at their new residential area, urging them to cooperate with census officials in providing information which they will be asked during the population count.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared today to be a public holiday to pave the way for smooth undertaking of the national population count.
