Day 4 / Education in Tanzania

I have yet to visit a public school in Dar es Salaam, but having read a few articles, going to a private school, and meeting a teacher, as well as speaking with a few other Tanzanians about the issues with education here, I think it is safe to say that educational system in Tanzania is quite inadequate. Let's start with the basics - like language. Something we learn from birth, and it is proven that it is most beneficial to learn language with the fluency of a mother tongue before the age of five. The official language here, Swahili, is what children grow up learning and are taught that in primary school. But when they get to high school, they are graded and tested in English - a language that some of them have never learned before. Usually, students of elite parents will get the highest scores, move onto the best universities, and ultimately have a better chance at a successful future. The students who may be the smartest but do not have the same opportunities to learn English fluently do not have the equal chance as the students who do know English. I just can't see how this language system in schools is logical.So far, the only teachers I have met in Tanzania have been from a private school or missionaries. I am very much looking forward to meeting with a public school teacher and discussing the current issues they have with the education system. I did, however, find out that according to a document published by ActionAid-Int'l and the Tanzanian Teachers Union in 2007, the average teacher only gets paid 100,000 Tsh (Tanzanian shillings) which is the equivalent of $70 US. How is that livable? Five years later, however, I have been told that the price may have gone up to 300,000 Tsh/year, but I am curious to see what the facts are after meeting some teachers. Even teachers in Canada don't get paid as much as they should, but the numbers I have heard for salaries of Tanzanian teachers is outrageously insufficient.More to come on this topic soon :) I might even do a research project on it!
Aaaand on a side note, for those of you (aka my parents...) who would like to know how I'm doing, here's a picture that should explain it all! I've got some color, a big smile, totally safe, but missing you in my heart ;
)

And here is my new room! Right now I am sharing with Jesse and Moriah but I think Moriah might be moving into another room tomorrow when her roomie gets here!