Educate

Primary school improvement Project

Primary schooling throughout Tanzania by and large has been in poor shape. The 21 schools in the Katoke area which were involved in the Primary School Improvement Project were no exception. As we began eight years ago (supported by ORAF and AusAID) classrooms were crumbling, teachers and pupils were absent, few lessons were taught, and poor results were obtained in national exams. However, we have slowly and quietly seen a turn around. A nation-wide program has built new classrooms and helped lift enrolments in all schools across Tanzania.

Our work has concentrated on improving the quality of teaching and learning. From leadership training, teacher workshops and school visits, we are seeing new heart in the teachers and a lift in performance on several indicators; time on task is up, attendance at workshops and school has improved, national exam results are rising and more students are qualifying to go to secondary school. But there are very few secondary schools and although vocational education is limited, few can afford the opportunities that exist.

Katoke Secondary School Project

Although Katoke has had a teachers college for primary school trainees and a Demonstration Primary School for over 70 years, it has not had a secondary school. With more children qualifying for secondary education it became clear to the Trust executive that we should seek to support the request of the local people and establish a secondary school at Katoke.

The Katoke Secondary School opened in April 27, 2009 after three years of planning and one year of building. In 2010 there are 270 students enrolled: 120 in form One and 150 in form Two with equal numbers of boys and girls.

Stage 1 of building is now complete with seven major structures, including an administration block, classrooms, computer and science laboratories and teacher housing. Stage 2 of the building program begun in 2010 and includes dormitories for boys and girls, a dining/assembly hall, a Guest House and more classrooms.

The school is a Lighthouse School with a program for the improvement of education in surrounding schools. Its motto is “Strive for the goal” and a major purpose is to “educate leaders for tomorrow”.

Profile of the Founding Headmaster

Mr Sidney Moir, the former Deputy Principal of Inaburra School in southern Sydney, is the founding Headmaster of Katoke Secondary School. The Tanzanian committee for the school, which sought an Australian headmaster, has warmly endorsed the appointment and is working closely with Sid to ensure the school provides a standard of excellence to nurture leaders of the future.

Sid, who has been a teacher in Australia for 35 years, brings great educational experience and strength to this new school. He is accompanied by his wife, Marilyn, who is also a teacher and is strongly committed to the pastoral care of the students. Sid has accepted the opportunity to set the long-term direction of the school, making it a place of educational excellence and creating a Lighthouse for surrounding schools. One important part of Sid’s assignment is to train African leaders to continue the strong educational program when he finishes his work there.

Katoke Trust for Overseas Aid is a Registered Charity. ABN 51 742 721 573

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