IT was all smiles among the education sector fraternity on Tuesday when the nation received a generous donation of 2,500,000 science text books from the United States of America.
Indeed, the donation is a heartfelt gesture from the people of America. President Jakaya Kikwete witnessed the delivery of the books personally. The donation will help whittle down the current book-to-student ration from 1:5 to a delightful 1:2.
Well, it is hats off to the people of America. The books, which have been in short supply for a number of years, cover mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry.
Their manuscripts were collated by Tanzanian experts and printed in the US with close support from USAID. President Kikwete has expressed his appreciation to US President Barack Obama for his kind support to the country's education sector.
Efforts to acquire more books, however, must go on, for, the desired book-to-student ratio is 1:1. Over and above this, it should be mentioned here that problems that afflict secondary schools in this country are numerous.
Indeed, there is much more than meets the eye. Perhaps the most profound problem is shortage of school desks. But there is also a critical shortage of teaching and learning equipment and materials.
Some schools face shortages of water or electricity. Others have inadequate sanitary facilities including toilets. And there is the nagging shortage of teaching staff. It is these problems that should be shot down if the learning environment is to improve.
It is equally necessary to impress upon authorities that schools in rural Tanzania are much needier. Some are a pitiful sight. We understand the crucial role of education to the development of a country.
Education is the key to success ...education is power. We also acknowledge government efforts to solve problems facing the sector. It is clear that education is one of the sectors that need huge investment.
Given the country's social economic situation we appeal for more development partners to support Tanzania in this noble task.
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