Experience in Tanzania in identifying and satisfying local needs in education: a contribution to an IIEP seminar

Abstract

Tanzania inherited a basically illiterate population that is largely rural. Hence, Tanzania is according top priority to rural development. Education is a vital input but its impact depends not only on the quality and relevance of the education given but also on its interaction with complementary inputs in agriculture, small-scale industry, irrigation, health, nutrtion, and other aspects of family life. The functional literacy campaign and other educational programs for adults are intended to provide the kinds of basic skills and knowledge needed by the local community. Formal education is linked to nonformal and informal education in community education centers. Decentralization of control and power provides the platform for proper coordination and effective and intensive utilization of local personnel, finances and materials (from ERIC database).