General information:
School system in Tanzania
In Tanzania, it is mandatory to visit primary school for 7 years (Standard 1-7). Since 2002, there are no school fees anymore. However, families must pay for school supplies.
Secondary school starts with 4 years of the Ordinary Level (“O’ Level”; Form 1-4). Students receive a certificate of Secondary Education Examinations for students who passed the examinations. Selected ones can continue with 2 years of Advanced Level education (A’ Level; Form 5 and 6).
For governmental secondary schools, the yearly fee is about 20.000 TSh (~10 USD). Additionally, testing fees, caution fees, watchman contribution, academic contribution, furniture contribution, identity fee, emblem fee and a fee for lunches is charged. Even though this might seem to be not too much, especially for single parents, big families and orphans, it is not affordable. Students who did not pass the Standard 7 exam, are not allowed to visit governmental schools, but they can still visit private secondary schools, which have a better teacher:student ratio, but are more expensive, however. The yearly fee is typically around 1.000.000 TSh (525 USD), but the fees for the different private schools vary from 200.000 to 32.000.000 TSh (100-16.000 USD).
We want to be very transparent about what your donations are being used for. More than half of the funds is used for education of the children and youth. Usually, for governmental schools, the costs are very similar and you can find an overview of the yearly costs per child here. However there can be small differences, for example if a child needs a new school bag or textbooks which are not always in the list. If you want to sponsor a child and are interested in the detailed costs for that particular child, it is not a problem to send them to you privately. Don't hesitate to ask!
For private schools there are huge differences in the quality and price. As day school we have made good experiences with Goodwill Secondary School, located in Sanawari near where most of our families live. Goodwill Secondary School is one of the best schools in town and the fees are relatively low.
If we decide to send a child to a private boarding school we compare prices, quality and location.
Governmental day school
Typical yearly expenses for Standard 1-7 at a governmental day school
Typical yearly expenses for Form 1+2 at a governmental day school
Private day school (Goodwill Primary school, costs 2020)
Standard 1+2 at Goodwill Primary School (private)
Standard 3 at Goodwill Primary School (private)
Standard 4-7 at Goodwill Primary School (private)
Private boarding school (Peace house secondary school, costs 2020)
Expenses for the first year of secondary school (Peace house secondary school 2020)