Pupils at Mirerani Primary School in Simanjiro District, Manyara Region, joined thousands of their peers across the country on Wednesday in sitting for their first day of the national Standard Seven examinations.
At the school, 137 pupils tackled the opening papers in Kiswahili, Mathematics, and Social Studies. Out of 139 candidates initially registered, two were absent.
“I have done the exams well and I expect to pass successfully,” said Losioki Mola, one of the candidates. His classmate, Rehema Mecksela, echoed the optimism, saying she hoped to excel and join secondary school next year.
Head teacher Mwanaisha Adam expressed gratitude that the examinations had started smoothly. She noted that only one candidate experienced stomach pains during the test but received medical attention and was able to continue.
Manyara Regional Commissioner Queen Sendiga sent best wishes to all candidates, urging them to remain calm and confident throughout the two-day exercise.
Regional Administrative Secretary Maryam Muhaji said a total of 38,859 pupils from 700 schools were sitting the examinations across the region.
In Simanjiro District alone, Executive Director Gracian Makota reported that 5,617 candidates were registered across 96 schools, including 11 private schools. In Mbulu Town, Director Rehema Bwasi confirmed 3,217 candidates in 58 schools.
Hanang District has the largest number, with 7,869 candidates sitting across 138 schools, according to District Executive Director Teresia Ifafay.
In Mbulu District Council, 5,066 candidates 2,207 boys and 2,859 girls are registered across 101 schools, Executive Director Abubakari Kuuli reported.
The Standard Seven examination is a crucial milestone in Tanzania’s education system, determining entry into secondary education.