Tanzanian Education Minister Urges Schools to Accommodate Flood-Affected Children Amid Heavy Rains

 

In response to the ongoing heavy rains causing infrastructure damage and displacements, Education and Vocational Training Minister Professor Adolf Mkenda has urged school principals across the country to admit children affected by floods to continue their studies while other procedures are underway.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on April 24, 2024, Mkenda emphasized the importance of ensuring that children from affected schools are received and allowed to continue their education, while local education officials handle other necessary protocols.

"When schools are closed due to infrastructure damage and families are displaced by floods, children should be received at their new locations and continue their studies until repair procedures are completed," Professor Mkenda stated.

Additionally, he advised parents to refrain from sending their children to school during heavy rains, while urging school principals to take prompt action in suspending classes temporarily during adverse weather conditions, with plans to make up for lost days.

"The Education Commissioner will provide guidance and allow adjustments to the teaching calendar to address the issue of rainy days and ensure children's safety," he added.

Furthermore, Mkenda assured collaboration between the government, the Ministry, and parents whose children attend private schools affected by infrastructure damage, facilitating the transfer of students to alternative schools by mutual agreement.

He commended private schools that voluntarily suspended classes during this period of heavy rainfall across various regions.

In a cautionary note, Mkenda warned school bus drivers against traversing hazardous routes to prevent potential harm to students and staff.

"The priority in our schools is the safety of our children and staff, so I caution drivers to refrain from risking our children's safety when they notice any signs of danger," he emphasized.

Moreover, the government, through the Ministry, continues to monitor damaged infrastructure and closely tracks weather conditions to facilitate the restoration of affected facilities, with plans to rebuild schools situated in vulnerable areas such as valleys.