Youth science group urges govt to increase school funding

Young Scientists Tanzania director Dr Kamugisha Gozibert speaks to journalists about scientific research competition which will involve 300 teachers and students. (Photo: Halima Kambi)

To improve science laboratories and equip students with the required quality of science education the government should allocate more funds to schools. 

Speaking yesterday in Dar es Salaam at press briefing on the upcoming Scientist Exhibition scheduled for later this month in Dar es Salaam, Coordinator of the organisation, Young Scientists in Tanzania Christian Bwaya, was of the view that, short of increased resource support schools will not be able to improve student performance.

He said most government schools face a growing shortage of science teachers along with necessary learning materials and these factors, according to him, are the main contributing elements to poor performance in science subjects.

“The students are highly motivated to pursue science subjects but when they get to school and there are no laboratories, no equipment and even no teachers their moral is killed,” he said.

“The government and other stakeholders must step up their commitment to improve education in the country through increased resource allocation especially for science subjects,” he urged.

Commenting at the same event, Director of Young Scientist Tanzania Kamugisha Gozibert said the study environment in most government schools is simply not conducive.

He said as a result of the poorly funded schools, students are increasingly reluctant to pursue science subjects because of the dire lack of equipment, study material and even teachers.

He was keen to call on multi-sectorial participation in this endeavour noting that both the private as well as the public sector must work together to bridge the resource gap in schools.

“If we hope to improve delivery of science disciplines, then we must acknowledge the need for more funding,” he said.

The Young Scientists in Tanzania upcoming exhibition for young scientists in the country is scheduled to be held on August 13 and 14.

The exhibition is designed to build capacity of students in the application of science to address daily problems and as the key to combat poverty in their respective countries. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN