Historical transformations in the initiation of younger people into adulthood: a case study of Kigoma town: 1940-2000

This study examines the historical transformations in the initiation of younger people into adulthood in Kigoma Tanzania, in the period from 1940 to 2000. The study is based on the assumption that historical interactions and economic development in Kigoma had an impact on the upbringing of children and younger people into adulthood. The study used qualitative approach in examining these processes. It used interviews as well as documentary reviews as the main methods for data collection. The study reveals two main findings. First, the study finds that before foreign intrusion in Kigoma, Waha had a comprehensive indigous ways of upbringing children and younger people into adulthood. Second, the study points out that external culture influences overtime resulted in the weakening of indigenous way of introducing children and younger people into adulthood and the consolidation of new ways of upbringing. While free interactions with other societies enriched cultural practices connected with the upbringing of Waha younger people, the formula changed with the arrival of western imperialism. The German and British colonial educators introduced a system of education that cared less about social cultural reproduction in Kigoma and elsewhere, thereby neglecting important issue such as proper guidance of younger generation into adulthood. Postcolonial efforts to make education more relevant to local and national needs seems not to have succeeded in putting in place a reliable system for effective cultural mentoring of younger people at local as well as national levels. The implication is that many younger people enter adult life with little or no understanding of their new responsibility and challenges. This exposes them to many danger including sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies and unsuitable marriage relations.