Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, yet many children in Tanzania face significant barriers to learning. While progress has been made, access to quality education remains a challenge—especially in rural areas.

At Katoke Trust, we are committed to bridging the education gap by supporting students through scholarships, resources, and improved school facilities. Here’s what you need to know about the Tanzanian education system and how we can make a difference together.

The Structure of Tanzania’s Education System

✔ 7 years of primary education (Standard 1-7, ages 7-13)
✔ 4 years of secondary ordinary education (Form 1-4)
✔ 2 years of advanced secondary education (Form 5-6)
✔ 3+ years of university or vocational training – Available to a small percentage.

Primary Education

There are 7 years of primary education for ages 7-13, generally taught in Kiswahili.

Compulsory & Free: In 2001, Tanzania introduced free primary education, increasing enrollment from 59% in 2000 to 94% in 2011.
Overcrowding & Teacher Shortages: Many schools struggle with high student-teacher ratios, making quality education difficult.
Language Barrier: Lessons are taught in Swahili, but secondary education shifts to English, creating learning difficulties.

Despite being free, hidden costs such as uniforms, books, and transport still make education inaccessible for some families.

Secondary Education

Tuition Fees: Unlike primary education, secondary schooling isn’t free, preventing many students from continuing.
Low Transition Rate: Only around 30% of students transition to secondary school (up from 6% in 2000).
Gender Inequality: Fewer girls complete secondary education.

Students complete national exams after form 2 and form 4. Students successful in reaching the pass marks for form 4 in certain courses can continue onto forms 5 and 6.

Higher Education

Advanced Secondary Education (Form 5-6): Only high-performing students qualify.
University & Vocational Training: Limited spots, with fewer than 5% of students enrolling in university.
Employment Challenges: Even with a degree, job opportunities are scarce.

The Biggest Challenges Facing Education in Tanzania

With rapid expansion of education in recent years some of the challenges remain:

Average of 50 pupils in each government primary school classroom in 2022.
Shortage of trained teachers – Many teachers lack proper training and materials. The pupil-to-qualified teacher ratio stands at 49:1.
Poverty & hidden costs – Even with free primary education, families struggle with additional expenses.
Most schools face extreme shortages in textbooks, desks, chairs, toilets, water supply, and hand-washing facilities. On average there is one textbook for every 5 students.
English-language difficulties of students within schools.

🌍 How Katoke Trust is Making a Difference

At Katoke Trust, we believe education is the key to breaking the poverty cycle. We pride ourselves on providing quality education!

✔ Class sizes are capped at 40 students for form 1 to 4, and approximately 25 for forms 5 and 6.
✔ Classrooms are fully equipped for the number of students.
✔ School Infrastructure Projects, we provide fully equipped classrooms, library, kitchen, hall, and dormitories.
✔ Every class is instructed by a qualified teacher.

Want to help transform education in Tanzania? Support a student today.

🔹 Donate Now – Sponsor a student in need.

🔹 Learn More – Discover how Katoke Trust is making an impact through Katoke-Lweru Secondary School.