Finally, a new law has been put into effect in Tanzania that will allow the education of one of the most important segments of society, mothers. Previously, when a student at any stage of schooling became pregnant, she would be expelled and any hope of a further education all but erased. The only way she could get back to school was through back-door channels, often involving bribes and cover-ups or private school. Therefore, the only ones who could take advantage of such a system were those whose families could afford it.
The new law will allow young mothers to return to their schooling after they have given birth. While students in countries like the U.S. can attend school even while pregnant, this law does not allow for that, but does give them some chance in the future. How many new mothers will take advantage of this is another question. First, they have had a long gap of several months in their education. Second, once they have given birth, care must be provided for the child. If there is no cooperation on the part of the mother’s family, going back to school will not even be an option, as she must now provide for her child. All the same, at least the option is now available where it once was not. After all, to educate a woman is to educate a nation. If the mothers are not educated, where will their children end up?
(full article here in The Citizen).jpg "Mama Salma Kikwete")
By The Guardian Reporter
First Lady Mama Salma Kikwete has said that discipline is instrumental for girl students to excel in education.
Mama Kikwete, who is also Women and Development Organization (WAMA) chairperson, made the remarks here over the weekend when she visited Mpanda Girls’ Secondary School.
She said for years women and girls were denied their right to education, adding that it was now prime time for girls to seriously concentrate on their studies.
The WAMA chairperson noted that early pregnancies had remained a stumbling block in girls’ education.
“You will only get out of that trap if you seriously embark on education. Through education you can be able to identify better opportunities to uplift your families and the nation at large,” she said.
Meanwhile, the government has donated 52m/- for the construction of four class rooms, toilets and a teacher’s house at the school.
The school’s headmistress, Nyabise Sabasi, said the 23-year-old school was facing shortage of dormitories.
“Some students sleep in classrooms,” she said.