Celebrating International Literacy Week in Tarime District, Tanzania
1 October 2024 | Joseph Masonda | DVV International Literacy ALE
Tanzania
This year's theme for International Literacy Week in Tanzania, "Inclusion in Lifelong Learning for Skills, Resilience, Peace, and Development," emphasises Tarime District's commitment to providing educational opportunities for all, regardless of age or background, and ensuring that everyone has the chance to learn and succeed.
On 23 September 2024, Tarime District in Mara Region came alive with celebrations for International Literacy Week, a day dedicated to promoting the importance of education for everyone. The event, held at Keryoba-Sirari Primary School, saw various activities aimed at highlighting the value of learning and education for both young students and adults.
The District Commissioner, Major Edward Gowele, honoured the event, demonstrating the district's dedication to education and literacy. The day featured various activities, including tree planting to illustrate community resilience in the face of climate change, as well as initiatives for conserving and protecting the environment. Students also put on vibrant drama performances, highlighting the significance of education in their daily lives, along with traditional dance showcases. One of the highlights of the event was a tour of the school's demonstration plots and facilities such as the laboratory, where attendees could see firsthand how education goes beyond the study of books.
The District Executive Director (DED) presented a report outlining exciting plans for the district’s educational future. Among these is the initiative to build a pilot Community Learning Centre for adults and out-of-school students. This is part of the district’s effort to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, has the right to learn and get a second chance at education.
Additionally, the district plans to focus on capacity building for teachers and facilitators, improving their skills to ensure that quality education is provided at both schools and learning centres. Other key areas of development include improving health care services for students with special needs and encouraging parents to contribute to providing lunch at day schools, aiming to reduce absenteeism and improve student performance.
The celebration in Tarime is a strong reminder that education is for all and that every effort should be made to give everyone the opportunity to learn and thrive, no matter their age or background.