By Adonis Byemelwa
Education facilities in Tanzania face significant challenges, with many struggling to meet the growing demand for quality education and adequate resources. In this context, the private sector has emerged as a crucial boon, providing innovative solutions and high standards that often surpass those of public institutions. Special Seats Member of Parliament Anatropia Theonest, a visionary in this realm, is making waves with her new school on the tranquil outskirts of Dodoma City. As the proprietor of this pioneering education facility in Iyumbu Ward, Theonest sets new benchmarks for educational excellence. In a captivating Q&A session with The Respondent online Senior reporter, she shared how her initiative addresses critical educational gaps and challenges balancing her political and academic roles. Theonest’s commitment highlights the transformative impact of private sector contributions in Tanzania’s education landscape.
What inspired you to establish Anglo Junior Pre-and Primary School in Iyumbu Ward, Dodoma City?
My decision to establish Anglo JuniorPre-and Primary School in January 2024 at Iyumbu Ward, Dodoma City, was driven by a profound passion for child development and a commitment to addressing the educational disparities I observed in the region. Despite the presence of private schools in Dodoma, I saw a pressing need for truly high-quality education that goes beyond the ordinary. My vision was to create a cutting-edge facility that would not only deliver a holistic education but also bridge the quality gap, ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life. This aspiration, fueled by my background in education and political science, inspired me to invest in this transformative project. My goal is to set new standards in education and make a lasting, positive impact on the community.
With the rising cases of child abuse in Tanzania, how is your school tackling this serious issue?
To tackle the rising cases of child abuse in Tanzania, Anglo JuniorPre-and Primary School has implemented robust measures. We have installed CCTV cameras throughout the school, including in toilet corridors, and require all teachers and drivers to sign a comprehensive child protection policy. These steps ensure a secure environment, where adherence to strict principles helps prevent abuse and fosters a safe space for every child. Additionally, we plan to equip all school buses with cameras to further enhance safety and accountability.
Given the declining education standards, how do you attract and retain quality teachers?
At Anglo JuniorPre- and Primary School, we address the challenge of attracting and retaining quality teachers amid declining education standards by fostering an inspiring and supportive work environment. We provide competitive salaries, robust professional development opportunities, and a clear career progression path to ensure our educators remain motivated and committed to delivering high-quality education. Our commitment extends beyond initial employment; we are dedicated to continuous growth through structured in-service training programs. These initiatives are designed to keep our teachers at the forefront of educational best practices, enhancing their skills and knowledge to better serve our students. By aligning our school’s vision with the professional values of our educators and cultivating a collaborative atmosphere, we ensure a work environment that not only motivates but also empowers our teachers. Our emphasis on a well-structured curriculum and modern teaching facilities further enriches their teaching experience and job satisfaction, reinforcing their dedication to excellence in education.
Who is your target audience for Anglo Junior Pre-and Primary School?
The target audience for Anglo Junior Pre-and Primary School includes children from Grades 1 to 5 in Iyumbu Ward, Dodoma City, and surrounding areas, along with their families seeking high-quality education. We cater to parents who prioritize a comprehensive educational approach that emphasizes academic excellence, psychomotor skills, and career guidance. Our Day Care Centre in Kisasa, Tambukareli Ward, serves younger children, offering early education and care. Additionally, we aim to attract families interested in a safe, well-resourced learning environment that supports both academic and child development programes.
How do you envision the future of Anglo Junior Pre-and Primary School over the next five years?
Over the next five years, Anglo Junior Pre-and Primary School will broaden its impact across Tanzania by establishing new branches, bringing our commitment to high-quality education to more communities. We will uphold international standards, introducing advanced STEM programs, language immersion courses, and cutting-edge technologies to enrich both our curriculum and co-curricular activities. Our infrastructure will expand with state-of-the-art facilities and resources, and our career guidance programs will be further developed to equip students with the skills they need for a successful future. These initiatives will position us as a leader in educational excellence, setting the standard for holistic child development.
What is the main challenge your school is currently facing?
One significant challenge we face is the conduct of quality assurance officers, who often request allowances during their visits. These officers, who come in large numbers to assess our school’s compliance with educational standards, typically demand a payment of Sh70,000 each. This practice raises ethical concerns as it seems to undermine the integrity of the quality assurance process. Their requests for allowances, which can be perceived as solicitation, compromise their objectivity and raise questions about potential corruption. This situation places undue financial pressure on our school and calls into question the fairness and transparency of the quality assurance system. Additionally, the frequent changes in the syllabus impose substantial costs on the school. Each change necessitates updating textbooks, which significantly impacts our budget. Furthermore, training new teachers to align with these changes incurs additional expenses. The government should involve all stakeholders in discussions before implementing new educational policies to ensure that the financial and logistical burdens are fully understood and managed. This collaborative approach would help mitigate the adverse effects of sudden changes and foster a more equitable and effective educational environment.
As a Member of Parliament, how do you reconcile running a private school with the government’s push for free education? Aren’t you concerned this might undermine the government’s efforts and create a conflict of interest?
As a Member of Parliament, I align my role with the government’s commitment to free education by positioning my private school as a complementary asset. My school is designed to bridge the gaps in education quality that persist despite the government’s initiatives, offering a high standard of learning where it is often lacking. I see my efforts as an extension of the broader educational landscape, enhancing opportunities and preparing students to contribute positively to both the government and society. My focus is on delivering a comprehensive, high-quality education that enriches the public education system, ensuring transparency and alignment with the principles of public service and educational equity.
