Advertisement

Villagers raise concern over pupils working in teachers’ farms

RESIDENTS of Simiyu Region accused Primary School’s teachers for consuming students learning time in doing farming activities

SIMIYU: RESIDENTS of Mwaukoli village in Meatu District, Simiyu Region have accused Mwaukoli Primary School’s teachers for consuming students learning time in doing farming activities.

The residents complained that teachers were taking pupils into their private farms for farming activities during lesson hours.

Speaking to the Regional Commissioner, Mr Kenan Kihongosi during a meeting held in the village, the residents said the uncalled for behaviour has been going on for some time now and that the pupils were farming in teachers’ farms while in school uniforms.

Advertisement

This is the second time for Mwaukoni village residents to detail the problems their children experience at the hands of their teachers.

In May, 2024, the residents told the former RC, Dr Yahaya Nawanda that teachers’ farms were being taken care by school children.

Also Read: How pupils improve in studies in Mainsprings Tanzania programmes

The then RC, Dr Nawanda warned on the matter, telling teachers to stop the practice immediately. He said students are only supposed to engage in agricultural activities within the school field.

After complaining before Dr Nawanda, the leader gave instructions and banned the behaviour and explained that the pupils should conduct agricultural activities only on the school fields.

On Thursday, one of the residents, Pastor Ruvanga said the residents were not happy with the behaviour and that they would like to see their children learning in class rooms instead of digging in teachers’ farms.

“I have witnessed this with my naked eyes, students are serving in teachers’ farms, this is not right, we are therefore asking the government to intervene and stop this behaviour,” noted Pastor Ruvanga.

Mr Joshua Masuke on the other hand said parents are not happy to see their children working in teachers’ cotton farms up to 2:00 PM. I

n response, the RC banned all private activities that involved children throughout the region.

“From today it is forbidden for a student or pupil to work on a teacher’s farm, it is not acceptable at all, and this order is for the entire region, no student will be allowed to work on a teacher’s farm, it is prohibited,” said Kenan.