Why TANZANIA? WHY EDUCATION?

 

• Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world—172 poorest out of 190. Seventy four percent of the population lives on less than $2 a day.

• One education level can raise family income by 30%.

• Tanzania is one of the nine fastest population growth countries in the world. From 2015-2050, half the world’s population growth is expected to be in nine countries, one of them Tanzania. By 2050 it will be the 13th most populated world country.

• When population growth increases as education and infrastructure decrease, more people are less able to participate in society. Progress and higher standards of living require high levels of female education. If a woman is educated, she plans her life, plans her family, educates her children and lifts her descendants out of poverty. (Anita Masaki, Forum for African Women Educationalists)

• The median age in Tanzania is only 17.5 years.

• The average number of completed years of schooling is 5.14. Only 2.4% of students graduate from high school.

• There is a severe shortage of teachers and schools. There are only enough secondary schools for 12% of the qualified population. Tanzania has a shortage of 47,000 teachers.

• Most schools are severely crowded and staffed by teachers who may only have a high school education.

• As founders and supporters of Pencils and Dreams, many of us are and have been educators who have witnessed the difference education can make in individual and collective lives. We have also seen how learning increases exponentially by eager, involved children. The Tanzanian children served by Pencils and Dreams may be poor in circumstance, but they are rich in hope and in motivation to make sure that their education fulfills their dreams and those of their families, communities, and country. 

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