Functioning and effects of out-of-school education Programmes in Tanzania. A case study of selected centres in dar es salaam region

The purpose of the study was to examine the functioning and effects of out-of-school education programmes offered to the out-of-school children in six centres in Dar es Salaam region. Specifically, the study investigated educational provision and scope of programmes; relevance of educational programmes offered; availability of resources; quality of teachers; instructional methods; and management structure of the out-of-school education programmes. The study employed quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The sample of the study consisted of 214 respondents. These were selected through purposive and random sampling techniques. The main findings of the study revealed that 335 children had managed to mainstream to formal primary school while 269 children had enrolled for basic literacy. Furthermore, the study showed that basic literacy and social support programmes were offered to all centres. However, centres had few qualified teachers; enrolled few children especially boys; and did not have their own teaching guidelines as well as procedures. In light of the study findings and conclusions, it is recommended that the government should recognise the effort done by these centres and provide support where necessary in collaboration with all Non -Governmental Organisations (NGOs) which are supporting out- of-school programmes. It is further recommended that out-of-school centres should establish centre committees and should involve the community in programmes development as well as implementation in order to make the programme relevant and meaningful. Local governments in collaboration with NGOs, Community Based Organisations (CBOs), parents or guardians should make sure that all school age children are enrolled and complete primary cycle. Also, Ministry of Education and Culture should develop a clear guideline that allow all educational officials to have an inventory of NGOs, CBOs and other stake holders that are dealing with out-of-school programmes.