The Parent Trap

On my last night in New York for the foreseeable future, I leave you with this article from the Citizen.  It concerns parental contributions to students' tuition and other school fees despite President Magufuli's "free education" policy.

Knowing firsthand, as many of us do, that this policy does not NEARLY cover the costs associated with sending a youngster to school, I am squarely on the side of the parents.

If their kids are not getting services or materials for free, OF COURSE they should feel it their parental duty to top up the nation's "freebie" policy.  We all know that "free education" does not truthfully exist and I applaud those parents who give a sh*t to help their kids succeed in very difficult learning environments.

Next time I write, kiddies, it'll be from the flip side.  Check ya laterz!

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Tanzania: Mixed Views Greet Order On Contributions 

The decision by President John Magufuli to ban all forms of contributions by parents with children in primary and secondary schools has been received with mixed feelings.

The government issued Circular Number 5 in 2015 on the implementation of the 2014 Education and Training Policy, directing all public institutions to ensure that education is free in primary and secondary schools.

But President John Magufuli noted with concern last week that the policy had not been fully adhered to.

The President directed the Education, Science, Technology, and Vocational Training Minister, Professor Joyce Ndalichako, and her counterpart in the President's Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Mr. Selemani Jafo, to ensure that the circular was respected.

Speaking to the Citizen, a headmaster at a public secondary school, who preferred not to be named due to the nature of subject, said although the free education policy was a good thing, it was also important to note that schools may suffer because the government does not provide everything needed.

Professor George Mtalemwa of the University of Dar es Salaam said the President's directives "are very positive" and that what was required was mutual understanding among parents, schools, and the government.

"No school will prosper by depending on the government's money. On some occasions support from parents is significant," he said.