The Impact of National Testing On Tanzanian Students

Apr 14

2 min read

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by Vickie Lackman, OA Volunteer Vice-President

Imagine if your entire future were determined in the fourth grade. In Tanzania, it is.

Passing the national test at the equivalent of the U.S. fourth grade is mandatory to attend secondary school or pursue higher education. Failing this test could limit

students to vocational training—if they are even accepted or can afford it. By the age of ten, a child's educational path is largely set.

In Tanzania, national test scores are assessed at the equivalent of fourth and tenth grades. These tests come with a financial burden, as students must pay to take them. Even if a student passes the fourth-grade test, failing the tenth-grade test means the end of their formal education.

The passing requirements are low—students need just 40% correct in one subject or 20% in two subjects. Yet, a significant percentage still do not pass, highlighting the crucial role of early education in shaping their future.

Public schools in Tanzania face extreme overcrowding, with some classrooms holding up to 300 students per teacher. Consequently, test scores and graduation rates remain low, despite the high cost of tuition—an expense that many orphans simply cannot afford.

This is why Orphans Africa has developed and supports six private schools at five campuses. These schools provide a higher quality education than public institutions by hiring qualified teachers, maintaining smaller class sizes, and offering a robust curriculum. As a result, our schools achieve some of the highest test scores in the nation. Moreover, we cover the cost of these essential exams, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of our students’ success.

Through these efforts, we empower orphans to build their futures. Tanzanian children are bright and eager to learn—if only they are given the resources they need to thrive.