Minister
of Education, Science and Technology Prof. Adolf Mkenda (left), TET Director
Anneth Komba (third from left), and "A Tangled Web" author Eunice
Urio (right) applaud during the official launch of the book. Photo Courtesy
By
Adonis Byemelwa
The
Tanzanian government has taken a significant step towards promoting literature
and supporting writers by allocating funds to the Tanzania Library Board for
the purchase of books, including those that have won the prestigious Mwalimu
Nyerere National Award for Creative Writing. This initiative aims to ensure
that writers benefit financially when they publish their works.
This
announcement was made on Friday (August 2) by the Minister of Education, Prof. Adolf Mkenda,
in Dar es Salaam during the launch of the book "A Tangled Web." He
highlighted that some authors fear publishing due to potential financial
losses.
Prof.
Mkenda emphasized that the government continues to promote reading, which is
why the Mwalimu Nyerere National Award for Creative Writing was established.
The government plans to buy quality books and distribute them to schools.
"We have a committee that will advise us on the books to be purchased
through the national library.
We
would like to see novels and life stories, such as those of former presidents
the late Mkapa and Mwinyi, being read in schools. This will encourage not only
creative writing but also the understanding of history and the inspiration to
become entrepreneurs by looking at the lives of those who came before us.
Writers preserve history, maintain records, and culture, hence they need to be
preserved and prioritized," stated Prof. Mkenda.
According
to Prof. Mugyabuso Mulokozi, a renowned Kiswahili literature guru and professor
emeritus from the University of Dar es Salaam, the culture of reading is a
lifestyle dominated by written texts at all levels, from individual to
societal. "In this way of life, reading becomes as natural as eating or
breathing.
“The
importance of reading and understanding various issues, including the Constitution,
is often not realized by the average person until they lack these things. For
example, we all take life-giving oxygen for granted, but if we were deprived of
it for just a minute, we would quickly recognize its invaluable worth.
Similarly, an illiterate person is like someone walking in the dark without a
light. This reality is more pronounced in countries with a strong reading
culture," said Prof. Mulokozi.
In
such countries, a person's life from early morning until they go to bed at
night is governed and guided by the act of reading. One cannot wash, cook, eat,
board a bus, navigate, shop, perform wage labor, or even communicate with
relatives and colleagues without knowing how to read and write. Any country
that has reached this stage is said to have a reading culture. Thus, the
culture of reading extends beyond just books and newspapers.
According
to a recent international report, the global adult illiteracy rate has
increased by 8% since 1990, with 774 million people worldwide unable to read or
write. Many of these illiterate individuals are in Africa and Asia. A 2020/21
report from Tanzania's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that 76%
of Tanzanians can read, write, and perform simple arithmetic calculations, an
increase from 69.8% in 2014/2015.
Given
that the Constitution is available in written form, it was appropriate for the former
constitutional Minister, Dr. Damas Ndumbaro to emphasize the importance of
legal education. The low level of literacy in the country has led many citizens
to be unaware of their rights.
To
bolster Dr. Ndumbaro's point, former Minister Mary Nagu stated that citizens
should fully understand the 1977 constitution, what has changed, and what needs
to change in any new constitution.
The
newly appointed Tanganyika Law Society President was once quoted as saying, “Our
leaders, especially politicians, should recognize that the lack of
constitutional understanding stems from a flawed education system. Politicians
often exploit the ignorance of citizens to achieve their goals. For instance,
politicians frequently claim that a new constitution won't provide basic needs
like water and infrastructure, urging support for the current leader instead.”
In
such an environment, according to Chadema Vice Chairman Tanzanian Mainland, when
opposition parties advocate for public education on the importance of the
Constitution, those without a reading culture often perceive it as mere
propaganda.
He
says our country has a habit of controlling which information is accessible to
non-readers and which should remain hidden. Public meetings that educate
citizens about the need for a new constitution are often suppressed to keep
non-readers unaware of the current constitution's weaknesses.
Anneth
Komba, the Director of the Tanzania Institute of Education (TET), mentioned
that the government has undertaken a significant review of the education
curriculum. In these changes, they have launched the teaching and learning of
Swahili literature and 'literature' from Form Three.
These
subjects provide opportunities for writers to produce sufficient books so that
students can read novels written by Tanzanians. She congratulated Eunice Urio,
the author of "A Tangled Web," for her bold step.
"We
have a high demand for children's storybooks and poetry. Therefore, writers
should write and submit their works to the education institute. After
verification, they will be used in our schools," Anneth added.
Eunice
Urio, the author of "A Tangled Web," stated that her book targets
young people and includes many lessons, such as the consequences of lying, the
love of wealth and money obtained through illegitimate means, and it teaches
about having morals and life discipline.
She
also highlighted the numerous challenges writers face, including financial
resources, and called on the government to create an enabling environment in
the value chain for book writers to make their work easier.
"Books
narrate our culture and preserve the memory of our lives and the eras we live
in. If people do not write, there will come a time when they will ask what used
to happen in the past. People must document these memories, as it is also a way
to teach future generations and preserve our traditions and customs," said
Eunice.
The
journey of book writers in Tanzania mirrors the broader African literary scene.
Writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie of Nigeria and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o of Kenya
have garnered global acclaim, not just for their literary prowess but also for
their ability to shed light on African stories and experiences.
Their success has translated into substantial
economic benefits, elevating their status and opening doors for many aspiring
writers across the continent.
Tanzanian
writers, inspired by figures like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Ngũgĩ wa
Thiong'o, continue to strive for excellence, enriching African literature and
culture. Their works entertain, educate, and preserve the diverse histories and
traditions of the region, ensuring Africa’s voice resonates globally.
However, the literary scene in Tanzania
remains male-dominated. Despite trailblazers like Amandina Lihamba and Prof.
Penina Mlama, the number of women writers is strikingly low.
This
gender disparity in Tanzanian literature reflects broader societal challenges.
Women face numerous hurdles, from limited access to educational resources to
societal expectations that prioritize domestic roles over creative pursuits.
Encouraging
more women to enter and thrive in this field requires targeted interventions.
Mentorship programs, grants, and workshops tailored for aspiring female writers
can help bridge this gap. Creating a supportive community where women can share
their stories and gain confidence is essential.
By
addressing these issues, Tanzania can unleash a wave of female literary talent,
enriching the cultural landscape and ensuring that all voices, regardless of
gender, contribute to the nation’s literary heritage. The future of African
literature depends on embracing and nurturing this diversity.
Eunice
Urio has set a remarkable example by writing the book A Tangled Web. Her
work paves the way for future generations of female authors, demonstrating the
powerful impact of women's voices in literature. Her contributions highlight the richness of Tanzanian
storytelling and inspire others to share their unique perspectives.
