Long overdue introduction of English as the medium of instruction in elementary schools

Unlike its East Africa neighbors, Tanzania uses Kiswahili as the medium of instruction in public elementary schools and then abruptly switches to English in secondary school. Most children do not continue their education in secondary school, most for financial reasons but many because their English language skills are insufficient.

This is going to change in three years. The minister for education and vocational training, Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa, announced during a speech on 15 December 2010 at the Tanzania Education Authority that the country would begin English language instruction in the equivalent of third grade. This long overdue change will take effect in 2013.

Source: "Tanzania Opens Doors to English Teachers," The Daily News, 16 December 2010, http://dailynews.co.tz/home/?n=15468&cat=home