TANZANIA YMCA EDUCATION PROGRAMME
With side effects of globalisation, the poor especially from sub-Saharan Africa, can’t help but feel that they are being left behind; and more so, without proper education, the youth today have no way to catch up with the fast pace at which the world is moving. Apparently, this is not so in Tanzania as they have been given a chance at a better life through the Educational programmes offered by the Tanzania YMCA, for those who have access to their services. According to Mr Anderson, Director of Training for the Tanzania YMCA, the institution runs one of the most recognized training institutions in Tanzania. Tanzania YMCA School Kids at the YMCA complex is host to a wide range of Educational programmes, from Kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, to vocational courses forchildren and youth from the less fortunate sectors of the societies.
They ensure that the youth get a chance at education by charging low fees. This attracts children from less privileged backgrounds, who would otherwise not be able to get a good education from the mainstream schools and vocational training centres. The fees contribute to keeping the
programmes running as Tanzania YMCA is among the few self-sustainable YMCAs in Africa.
According to Mr Lyatuu, their success can be attributed to the YMCAs close relationship to their government. The Government of Tanzania has even asked the YMCA to be in charge of Vocational Training Programmes for the Northern and Eastern regions of Tanzania, which covers Arusha, Moshi, the Kilimanjaro area, Pangani Bukoba, Kibaha, Kinondoni, Mbeya, Mwanga, Panagani, Mwanza, Same, Tabora and Temeke.
Inside the YMCA complex, there a
re at least three educational programmes. The YMCA Kindergarten School, the YMCA Catering College and the Tourism Trade Training school.
St Margaret YMCA Girls Secondary School
In serene Marangu, a few kilometers from Mount Kilimanjaro, is St Margaret YMCA Girls Secondary School, which caters to almost 500 students. In line with empowering women and girls, Tanzania YMCA admits about 90 students each year who come from poor families. The school is self-sustaining with its income coming from school fees and subsidies. The school also operates a farm, which provides the primary source of food for the school. The school has a high success rest with almost half of the 95 students sitting for the O Level examinations being admitted to A Level (High school).
The school has plans of expanding by building form 5 and 6 classes and more dormitories to hold extra students. The head teacher of the school said that they hardly get any dropouts through lack or fees, early marriages or unwanted pregnancies.
Empowering African Young People Intervention Programmes
With the youth being the most affected with today’s societal problems like HIV and AIDS, Drug Abuse, unemployment, and child abuse amongst many others, Tanzania YMCA chose to address the youth using the medium that they understand most and can relate easiest to. This programme is also run in their own environment and by the youth themselves. One way of disseminating this information is through roadside shows.
A team of Africa Alliance staff recently visited the area to see the programme in action. The implementers of the programme had organized a community awareness programme in the Market of Pasua in Moshi. Led by their group leader and trainer, Ramadhan, and coordinated by Methu Igome, a group of young boys from Kaloleni Group attracted a large audience at the Pasua market with plays, dances, and acrobatics. The purpose of this event was to educate those present about HIV and AIDS, drug abuse among the youth, child abuse and prostitution. This programme is coordinated by the Tanzania YMCA through the Development Programmes office. This is in line with the Mission of Tanzania YMCA “To Manifest the Christian.
Message for a genuine involvement of Young men and women, with the vision of sustaining God’s creation and the wholesome of man, the family the community and promote the peoples awareness towards their potentialities for self initiative in development and culture”.
