Examination of the extent to which lack of access to education funding limits girls' access to education in Tanzania: case study of Mkuranga and Kisarawe Districts, Coastal Region

The aim of this study was to find out the extent to which lack of access to financial information limit girls' access to education in Tanzania. The study was conducted in Mkuranga and Kisarawe Districts, Coastal Region. One hundred and two respondents both women and men participated in this study. these respondents were drawn from teachers, parents, pupils, village, Ward and District officials. A combination of methods was used to collect data for this study including questionnaire, face-to-face interviews, observations and documentary analysis. major findings of this study revealed that a good number of girls and women in Mkuranga district failed to go to school or dropped out because of poverty and due to cultural factors. Furthermore, findings show that even though there are international agencies which provide educational, financial and material assistance to girls from poor families, surprisingly, none of the respondents in this study were aware of these opportunities due to lack of timely access to information. As a result they have not benefited from this support. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education should compile a Directory of Funding Agencies, which provide educational financial and material support to promote girls education. Similarly, District Education Officers should disseminate information on alternative funding sources for education to all schools and the village governments. This information can also be disseminated through radio, newspapers, leaflets and television where possible. School libraries play a major role in the educational process particularly in resource poor countries. In view of this it is recommended that school libraries should be strengthened, equipped and well stocked with relevant teaching and learning resources. Pupils should also be encouraged to utilize school libraries to complement classroom teaching. Communities should be sensitized on the importance of girls' education and the benefits that may accrue from investing in girls' education including reducing the gender gap in education and women's empowerment. Finally, the step taken by the government to abolish fees in primary schools is commendable. However, there is also a need to abolish school fees in secondary schools to ensure more children from poor families' access to education. School regulations and bylaws should be reviewed and pregnant girls should be allowed to come back to school after delivery to complete their education because education is a critical factor in poverty alleviation.