School Life in Gorfan, Tanzania - Secondary School

Schools in Tanzania are modeled after the British education system which feels very unusual to us Americans. Students begin in Primary School at age 7, where they attend Standards 1-7. Then they move to Secondary School for Ordinary Level Forms 1-4 and Advanced Level Forms 5-6.

On our most recent trip, we were able to visit the local Primary and Secondary Schools. As a high school teacher myself, I loved getting to visit with the headmaster of the Secondary School and learning about the challenges these students face.

One of the greatest challenges the secondary students face is the transition to learning in English. In primary school, all teaching is done in Swahili, but in secondary school, all teaching is in English. Not only do the students have to learn the new subject material, but they have to learn it in a new language.

As expected a lack of resources for teachers and students is also a great challenge. Students must provide all of their own supplies, exercise books, uniforms, meals, and sometimes basic needs of the school. For many families, this prevents their children from attending school at all.

Classrooms have no technology available and very limited ability to make copies. Teachers must write everything on a blackboard (yes, a blackboard with chalk - not a whiteboard) and students must copy it down into their exercise books.

While the challenges of education are great, the barriers to accessing that education are even greater. Many children are unable to complete their education due to the inability to pay for the necessary supplies. Many live a great distance from the school and have to face a long and often dangerous walk each day (there are no school busses here).

For girls, the risk of pregnancy and forced marriage is incredible. Due to customs of men paying a bride-price to the father, many girls are forced into marriage at a young age. Other girls become pregant outside of marriage. Once a girl becomes pregnant in Tanzania, she is forced to leave school and cannot ever complete her education.

The school offers a boarding option for students that can be life-changing. While the dormitories (they call them hostels) are very basic, students are provided with uniforms, supplies, food, lodging, extra study support, and safety.

For the young people of Tanzania, education truly is their path to an improved life. One of our goals is to help the most vulnerable children in the community to complete their education. You can make a difference by sponsoring a secondary student today!