By
Adonis Byemelwa
Private
primary schools are facing a financial crisis hardly 20 days before the pivotal
Standard Seven exams. The situation is critical as strict regulations from the
Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology prevent school owners from
excluding students from these national exams due to unpaid fees. This development
has intensified the financial strain on private schools, which are already
battling significant debts and regulatory pressures.
In
Tanzania, a stark contrast exists between private and public educational
institutions. Private schools, renowned for their enhanced facilities and often
smaller class sizes, are struggling under the weight of financial difficulties.
They
rely heavily on tuition fees to operate, and many are now on the brink of
collapse due to unpaid fees and increased operational costs. These institutions
are grappling with how to sustain their quality of education while managing
their financial burdens.
Public
schools, while benefiting from government funding that alleviates some
financial pressures, still contend with overcrowded classrooms and inadequate
facilities. The stark contrast between private and public schools underscores
the need for a more equitable distribution of resources and support across all
educational institutions.
The
current financial turmoil in private schools is sparking significant confusion
and conflict within the education sector. Many parents are clashing with school
administrators who are burdened by a backlog of unpaid taxes imposed by the
government. This strain is further compounded by the aftermath of the COVID-19
pandemic, which has already devastated the sector.
Private
schools, heavily reliant on student fees to cover teacher salaries and
operational costs, are now facing unprecedented challenges. As the government
navigates these turbulent waters, it must address the underlying issues to
stabilize the education system and ensure that all students, regardless of
their school type, receive the quality education they deserve.
In
response to the financial pressures, the government previously banned both
private and public schools from expelling students or suspending classes due to
non-payment of fees. Mwita Waitara, the former Deputy Minister for Regional
Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), emphasized that schools must
comply with these regulations, warning that any school found violating these
directives would face consequences. "I have received numerous complaints
from parents about schools sending children home for unpaid fees and other
arbitrary charges like mandatory purchases of school uniforms and
stationery," Waitara stated.
Waitara
has instructed education officers, directors, and sub-district secretaries to
visit schools reported for sending students home and to provide immediate
feedback. He suggested that the issue of fee structures for private schools
might need to be reevaluated to prevent such problems in the future.
A
closer look reveals that private school heads are facing a tough situation due
to substantial debts. School boards are blaming them for enduring these
financial issues for too long, with some alleging that the debts might be
inflated or mismanaged, raising concerns about potential misuse of funds.
School administrators, speaking on condition of anonymity, claim they are owed
millions by parents of students preparing for the Standard Seven exams.
"We
are in a dire situation," said one school head from Mbagala, Temeke
District, Dar es Salaam. "It feels like parents are not prepared to pay
for their children's education in private schools. My school is owed Sh20
million in unpaid fees, and since students are already registered for their
exams, we cannot stop them from sitting for the tests. Suing parents would be
chaotic... how many can you sue, especially those in remote areas?"
Another
school head from Kinondoni proposed that the Standard Seven completion
certificate should be made as crucial as the National Identification Authority
(NIDA) identification card, suggesting that this could compel parents to settle
their debts before their children complete their education. “It’s a business
like any other. Why should I be prevented from expelling a student who hasn’t
paid for services rendered? The government needs to reconsider and possibly
assist in resolving this issue,” the head argued.
A
private school owner in Kishapu, Shinyanga, highlighted that the financial
struggles of the education sector are intensified by high operational costs and
changes in the curriculum. “I run a large school with a capacity for 700
students but currently have only 250 enrolled. Last year, parents defaulted on
almost Sh20 million in fees. It’s disheartening and unsustainable, especially
when I still have to pay taxes and teachers’ salaries. I’m even considering
selling the school due to these financial constraints,” he lamented.
In
August 2022, Julius Mathew, the owner of Green Pasture English Medium Primary
School in Arusha, faced criticism for seizing parents’ property to cover
outstanding fees. This action drew public outcry and prompted calls for
government intervention to address what many viewed as an abusive practice.
One
parent, Nembrisi Mollel from Sekei, expressed outrage over the police’s
involvement in retrieving school furniture without following legal procedures.
“What shocks me is the police, armed and demanding to take household items
without following legal protocols, including consulting village or ward
leaders,” Mollel said.
The
school owner defended their actions, explaining that legal action had been
taken against 18 parents who failed to pay school fees, resulting in over Sh 14
million in arrears. The court had ordered the seizure of assets, including
household items, but the owner struggled to obtain support from local leaders.
Globally,
countries like Finland and Japan have successfully addressed similar financial
challenges in education through well-designed systems that balance financial
needs with the protection of students’ rights.
Finland’s
education system emphasizes equitable funding, ensuring that schools receive
adequate resources regardless of their private or public status. Japan’s
approach includes stringent regulatory frameworks that ensure transparency and
accountability in school fee collections, coupled with robust support systems
for students facing financial difficulties.
These
examples underline the importance of creating sustainable and fair financial
practices in education. As the debate continues in Tanzania, it is crucial to
find a balanced approach that safeguards the rights of students while ensuring
the financial stability of educational institutions. The ongoing struggle of
private schools against mounting debts and regulatory pressures highlights the
need for comprehensive reforms to address these challenges and ensure that
every child has access to quality education without undue financial burden.
The
situation reveals deeper flaws within the Tanzanian education system, highlighting
the urgent need for policy reforms to tackle the root causes of financial
instability in private schools. As Tanzania grapples with this challenge, it
should take a page from the playbooks of Finland and Japan. Finland's approach,
which emphasizes equitable funding and support for all schools, and Japan’s
stringent regulatory frameworks ensuring transparency and fairness, offer vital
lessons.
By
adopting these strategies, Tanzania can move towards a more balanced and
sustainable education system that provides quality education for every student
while ensuring financial stability for all schools. Learning from Finland’s
commitment to equitable funding and Japan’s robust regulatory frameworks,
Tanzania can implement reforms that address the root causes of financial
instability and disparity.
Emphasizing
transparent policies, equitable resource allocation, and supportive measures
for both private and public schools will be crucial. The path forward requires
a comprehensive approach to rectify these imbalances, enabling both types of
institutions to not only survive but also excel in delivering excellent
education across the country.