INVESTING IN GIRLS PAYS OFF

Education is one of Tanzania’s priorities, and for good reason. It is the most effective means to getting rid of the three enemies of development—poverty, ignorance and disease. We need to invest in quality education for our children, if only to ensure they grow into responsible adults. But lack of funds and learning and teaching facilities stand in the way of progress in education.  When choices have to be made, girls tend to get the short end of the stick. In many parts of the country, schoolgirls quit due to early pregnancies and marriage. This was not a big problem in the past because there were many boarding schools—which meant they did not have to travel long distances, which translates into an opportunity to be sidetracked. Parents and teachers, too, played their part well. Today’s girls face many temptations. They can easily be lured by sugar daddies into love affairs and leave school for the supposedly easy life.  We can minimise this problem and eventually eradicate it if we take the following steps: First, we can construct more boarding schools or hostels to minimise distractions and ensure girls are protected. Second, parents should play their role in shaping the worldview of their children.  This means forging close relations with their offspring and following up their academic progress. Third, teachers should lead by example.  All too often, they are part of the problem.  Finally, we urge the government to invest in quality education. This is the key to success.