Experts say one of the most significant causes is economic hardship. Photo: Courtesy
Tanzania’s Education Crisis: Over 160,000 Students Abandon School as Dropout Rates Soar
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a country where education is touted as the key to progress, an alarming trend is emerging: school dropouts. Despite the government’s ambitious policy to provide free education, many young people of school-going age are abandoning the classroom for various livelihoods, from farming and livestock keeping to riding motorcycles.
A growing number of these students have completed their primary education and, after passing their Standard Seven exams, decide to quit school altogether—a phenomenon locally known as mdondoko, or school dropout.
This disturbing trend is reflected in the number of candidates registered for the 2024 National Form Four Examinations, which started earlier this month. According to Dr. Said Mohamed, the Executive Secretary of the National Examination Council of Tanzania (Necta), over 160,000 students who should have sat for the exam are missing from the official list of candidates.
“Out of the 690,341 students who sat for the Form Two exams two years ago, only 529,321 are registered for this year’s Form Four exams,” Dr. Mohamed said in Dar es Salaam. “This means that nearly 161,000 students who should be taking the exam this year will not be participating.”
The decline in student participation is not just a statistical anomaly but a clear reflection of a deeper issue that needs urgent attention. With each passing year, more and more students are dropping out, especially those in the primary and early secondary levels.
Dr. Mohamed’s analysis highlighted that while the total number of Form Four candidates this year stands at 557,731, the dropout rate among secondary school students is a cause for concern. He explained that the number of private candidates for the exams has also grown, pointing to a trend where students are either opting for non-traditional routes or abandoning formal education altogether.
The factors driving this increase in school dropouts are multifaceted. Experts say one of the most significant causes is economic hardship. Many families, particularly in rural areas, struggle to meet the costs associated with education.
While the government’s free education policy covers tuition, indirect costs such as uniforms, books, and transportation often push families beyond their financial limits, forcing children to stay home and work to support their households. As Richard Mabala, a seasoned teacher, explained:
“Despite the government’s free education initiative, families still have to bear the burden of school-related expenses. For some, these costs are too high, leading to children either missing school or dropping out entirely.”
Dr. Roze Matete, a researcher in education and lecturer at the University of Dodoma (UDOM), pointed out that the pressure from parents also contributes significantly to school dropouts.
“In many regions, especially those with mining activities, it is common for children to leave school to take on responsibilities such as tending to livestock or helping in family businesses. Parents, especially in these areas, do not see anything wrong with children of school-going age participating in economic activities,” said Dr. Matete.
Further exacerbating the issue is the limited focus on skills development within schools. Moses Kyando, the director of the non-governmental organization MOFET, which deals with educational issues, stated that the education system often prioritizes academic subjects over practical skills, leading students with limited academic capabilities to lose interest in formal schooling.
“Many children who struggle with subjects like chemistry and physics may not find school engaging. Instead, they turn to developing talents like music, sports, or even farming. This lack of vocational skills in the curriculum leads to students feeling disconnected from the education system,” Kyando said.
While 2023 saw a slight reduction in school dropouts, the problem remains critical. The Education Statistics Report (BEST) revealed that in 2023, 306,113 students dropped out, compared to 327,900 in 2022. This decrease, though encouraging, still highlights a major problem.
More troubling, the report found that the majority of dropouts come from the lower levels of education, particularly those in the fourth grade, first form, and second form, who together accounted for 55.6% of all dropouts in 2023.
At the root of this issue lies the pervasive poverty that affects many families in Tanzania. Many students, especially those from poorer households, feel compelled to abandon their studies to help provide for their families.
This is especially true for students in rural areas, where economic pressures can outweigh the perceived benefits of education. Oscar Mkude, an economist at the University of Dar es Salaam, agrees that poverty remains the primary driver of school dropouts. “It’s not just about removing school fees. Families are still grappling with the hidden costs of education. Programs like Tasaf (Tanzania Social Action Fund) could play a crucial role in providing the additional support these families need,” Mkude said.
In addition to economic barriers, students also face significant challenges in transitioning from primary to secondary education. One of the most difficult adjustments is the change in the language of instruction, which shifts from Kiswahili to English.
For students from rural schools, particularly those with fewer resources, this linguistic barrier can create a significant gap in their academic progress. The government has tried to address this challenge through a program introduced in 2022 aimed at improving English language skills for Form One students.
Nevertheless, experts argue that this initiative is not enough and that a more holistic approach is needed to better prepare students for secondary school academically and psychologically.
“Many students are unprepared for the shift to secondary school, especially those from rural or underfunded schools. They struggle with language, and this affects their overall academic performance,” said Muhanyi Nkoronko, an education researcher at the Open University of Tanzania. “We need to do more to prepare them, both academically and emotionally, for the demands of secondary education.”
School violence and bullying also contribute to the high dropout rates. Reports indicate that a significant number of students leave school due to violence, whether it’s bullying from fellow students or conflicts with teachers. This toxic school environment discourages students from continuing their education.
The government has acknowledged the need for a broader, more integrated approach to address these issues. Efforts to improve access to education, support families with financial aid, and enhance the quality of teaching are necessary to reduce the dropout rate. Programs like the Tasaf initiative, which provides financial assistance to low-income households, can help alleviate some of the pressures that lead to students abandoning their education.
Tanzania is not alone in facing this challenge. Across the continent, several African nations have made strides in reducing school dropout rates. In Rwanda, for example, the government’s policy of free and compulsory education has significantly boosted enrollment rates, while Kenya’s scholarship programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds have helped many continue their education. These examples show that with the right investments in education, it is possible to turn the tide on school dropouts.
In Tanzania, there is still hope. Experts argue that through continued investment in education, targeted interventions for at-risk students, and a greater focus on vocational training, the country can reduce its dropout rates and ensure that more children stay in school.
“Reducing dropout rates requires a multi-faceted approach. It is not just about free education; it’s about creating an environment where students feel supported, both academically and emotionally,” said Dr. Matete. “If we address the root causes—poverty, lack of resources, and poor preparation—we can improve the education system and keep more children in school.”
The statistics are sobering, but the solutions are clear. As Tanzania seeks to provide quality education for all, it must confront the underlying factors that lead to school dropouts, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.
