Despite the recognized importance and quality present in most private schools, some procedures starkly contrast with the realities faced by struggling parents: Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
As students, parents, and teachers
gear up for the looming November Form Four National Examinations in Tanzania,
the pressure mounts significantly. Known academically as summative assessments,
these exams place a heavy financial burden on parents, particularly those with
children enrolled in private schools, as they grapple with various demands from
school owners.
During this critical period, while
official fees remain unchanged, an array of additional contributions emerges,
aimed solely at ensuring students are adequately prepared and perform well. The
recent government decision to abolish the nationwide announcement of
top-performing students has provided a slight relief from the competitive
tension, yet schools often resort to both ethical and questionable methods to
secure high rankings.
The challenges of having a Form Four
student are exacerbated by extended school holidays, particularly in June and
December. School owners in major cities commonly demand that examination
classes remain at school over the holidays for payments ranging from Sh 250,000
to Sh 300,000.
In these discussions, financially challenged
parents often find themselves overshadowed by wealthier counterparts who
dictate terms, leaving many to suffer in silence or feel embarrassed for
disagreeing with the majority. This situation has led to an escalation of
contributions within private schools, prompting some parents to consider
transferring their children to avoid excessive costs.
Historically, Tanzania withdrew from
the East African Examination Council in 1971, placing the responsibility of
examination management under the Directorate of Curriculum Development and
Examinations within the Ministry of Education.
The first national Form Four
examination took place in November and December of the same year, leading to
the establishment of the National Examination Council of Tanzania through the
enactment of Law No. 21 of 1973.
Despite the historical significance of
these exams, many parents lament the ever-increasing costs associated with
their exceptional candidates. Reports reveal that parents are burdened with
contributions for special meals, supplementary examination costs, and even
additional items such as coffee to keep students alert during study sessions.
The National Form Four exams hold
great importance for many students across Tanzania, serving as a pivotal moment
that assesses their academic performance and shapes their future educational
paths. Success in these exams can lead to opportunities for university, vocational
training, and various educational and employment avenues, marking a significant
transition in students' lives.
Preparation for these national exams
demands immense discipline and effort from students. The preparation process
includes in-depth and regular studying, self-assessment tests, and
participation in additional tuition. Students must develop effective study
plans and manage their time wisely to cover the entire syllabus and grasp the
necessary subjects.
Parents of private school students in Dar es Salaam are frustrated by additional contributions, feeling trapped as their transfer options dwindle. Photo: Courtesy
Additionally, maintaining good health
through proper nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep is essential for optimal
performance during exams. Strong collaboration with teachers and parents also
plays a crucial role in this journey, providing guidance, motivation, and
support necessary for student success.
Nevertheless, many parents of students
attending private schools in Dar es Salaam have voiced their frustrations
regarding these additional contributions, often feeling trapped as the window
for transferring their child has closed. “We've already committed, so we have
no choice but to comply. I have a daughter who has been asked to contribute to
a special diet for Form Four, on top of the fees I've already paid, which
exceed three million shillings annually,” lamented a parent who requested
anonymity.
Under the procedures established by
the National Examination Council of Tanzania, transferring a student already
registered and nearing examination time is challenging, although exceptions may
allow for a schoolchild to sit exams at a different center under certain
conditions, particularly health or disciplinary issues.
While the government has established a
framework for free education, many parents remain skeptical about the quality
of instruction provided at certain institutions, resulting in persistent
contributions to private institutions. In recent years, some lawmakers have
advocated for reducing contributions and high costs in private schools, urging
the government to consider implementing regulated fees.
This discussion has faced significant
opposition, as many politicians have vested interests in the education
business, with private school owners lamenting the high taxes estimated to be
over 15%. In this context, parents refusing to pay for their children’s
education under the free education policy often find themselves pressured to
contribute more for necessary extras.
"It makes no sense that I must
pay for additional tuition and special meals for a Form Four student when I
have already covered tuition fees. Schools should budget for all these expenses
according to the law," asserted another parent whose child attends a
boarding school in Dar es Salaam.
Some contributions are unavoidable,
such as laboratory supplies and extra classes or competitive exams to prepare
students before the expected assessments. However, these costs must be capped
by the government through educational quality regulators to prevent parents
from feeling trapped by excessive demands.
Despite the recognized importance and
quality present in private schools, some procedures starkly contrast with the
realities faced by struggling parents. Consequently, many parents, once
committed to private schooling for Form Four, find themselves unwilling to
continue with subsequent levels, believing their children have a solid
foundation to compete in public institutions for advanced education.
As a result, many private schools
offering Form Five and Six are struggling to attract students, while those
remaining face rising operational costs, similar to those preparing for Form
Four examinations.
Our nation should not experience
disparities in education. Many African countries have public schools that have
made significant strides in quality, leading parents to question the need to
enroll their children in private institutions.
In Rwanda, numerous private schools
have partnered with public institutions to attract students and reduce
operational costs, a strategy initiated following economic downturns affecting
private educational entities.
In 2008, President Kagame began
providing modern equipment to public schools, constructing contemporary
classrooms, and reducing fees, ultimately leading to free education in public
schools, mirroring Tanzania’s situation. Some private institutions, such as
Aspek and Kihengere, where the author previously worked, found themselves
lacking students to meet operational costs.
Tanzania is gradually moving toward a
model similar to neighboring countries like Rwanda, and signs of this
transition are slowly emerging. Some public schools are now even outperforming
private ones. This presents a critical moment for high-cost institutions to
reassess their operations.
These institutions resemble oppressive
governments imposing higher taxes on every product, ultimately leading to low
revenue collection as consumers tighten their spending due to fear of
exorbitant costs.
Educational facilities that
intimidate parents with excessive contributions risk developing a poor
reputation, leading clients to share negative experiences on social media. Many
private institutions in regions like the Lake Zone and southern Tanzania charge
lower fees compared to major cities like Dar es Salaam, often due to differing
operational costs. However, the justification for imposing additional fees for
special meals and coffee for Form Four students remains questionable,
especially when standard fees hover around four million shillings annually.
To address this growing concern,
educational authorities must enforce strict regulations on additional
contributions to ensure transparency and fairness. Schools should prioritize
quality education over profit, fostering an environment where parents feel
valued rather than exploited. By encouraging collaboration between public and
private institutions, we can create a more equitable education system that
benefits all students, regardless of their financial background. It’s time for
a concerted effort to prioritize education over profit and alleviate the burden
on families.