Refugee children to attempt exams

In a bid to ensure children who live in refugee camps get access to education; the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) is finalising preparations of exams for Burundian refugee children. 

Speaking with journalists shortly after winding up a two-day Ministerial SDG4 Regional Forum for Eastern Africa; Education, Science and Technology Minister, Prof Joyce Ndalichako, said Tanzania for many years adhered on human rights including the right to education not only to its citizens but also to refugees.

“We agreed that education for all which is implemented in our countries and by all people - refugees are also included as long as they are within our countries.

They have the right to education. It is true that Tanzania has been home for many refugees. We are adhering to human rights, education being one of them. We are finalising preparations of examinations for Burundi children who are living in refugee camps.

We follow their national curriculum,” the minister said. The move was applauded by a number of international agencies and human right watch bodies. Among the topics that were debated by various education stakeholders was inclusion of displaced children in educational programmes.

Prof Ndalichako, who doubled as chairperson of the forum, said in order to improve the quality of education in the region, the highlevel government representatives agreed to improve teachers’ welfare. They also agreed to carry out campaigns to boost enrolment of disadvantaged and most vulnerable children and those with disabilities.

Other agreements included taking measures to address data gaps, monitoring the situation of outof- school children and youths and the inclusion of refugee education, strengthening early learning. They also opted to recognise the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment, initiate policy and curricula reforms to rebrand and revive Technical- Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

“The government is determined to work closely with other stakeholders to attain quality and inclusive education as well as equitable and life-learning for all children, youths, men and women, regardless of their circumstances or backgrounds,” she said.