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Copy of Victoria Shaw’s email to Mr. Dunford Makala
Commissioner for Social Welfare, Tanzania
20th August 2011
Dear Mr Makala,
My name is Victoria Shaw, I am a qualified Teacher and have a degree in Primary Education and English. In 2008 I volunteered at an Orphanage called the Bethany Project near Magu, Mwanza. This email is written in support of a proposal to allow three students from the Bethany Project to study in the UK at Accrington and Rossendale college and to reside with Graham Pountain and his wife Sheila.
During my sixteen months in Tanzania I worked with children studying at Primary and Secondary level in Government schools, Yitwemila Primary School and Sogeska Secondary School. Students from the Bethany Project faced numerous difficulties including lack of Teachers, School closure, large class sizes, Teachers present but unwilling to teach and poor facilities. Through discussion with local teachers and officials in Tanzania I developed an understanding of some of the issues and how difficult they can be to address. I have worked with Deborah, Mpelwa and Rehema (the three students hoping to study in the UK) and have witnessed their desire to help to be part of the change which the Tanzanian Education System needs.
Therefore, I would like to urge you to allow these students to continue their education by studying at Accrington and Rossendale College. Sadly I have seen firsthand the poor quality of education on offer at Sogeska Secondary School. I was alarmed to see that even the Teachers did not have an adequate understanding of the English language and yet were trying to deliver the curriculum in English. This then had an impact on our ability to find suitable jobs for young people as they moved on from Bethany because they could not speak English which is needed for good carrier opportunities in Tanzania.
I am aware that Mr Wambura may have some concerns about the welfare of the students visiting the UK. I would strongly recommend that the opinions and experience of Mr Daniel Bujiku are considered as he has visited and stayed with Mr Pountain and his wife. On all occasions the welfare of these students has been put first. As a member of the UK team I understand that there are cultural differences between Tanzania and the UK. We do everything in our power to protect the Tanzanian young people from losing their identity as Africans. The students would still dress in a way appropriate for a Tanzanian woman and have constant contact with Mr Bujiku and his wife to discuss any issues that they have.
Please carefully consider what is best for the individuals in question and consider the difference these pupils could make to the future development of schools and childcare in Tanzania. Our purpose is to help you to bring about positive change in Tanzania in a way that preserves the best aspects of your culture and helps to address the lack of qualified, capable, English speaking teachers in your Schools.
Thank you for your time,
Victoria Shaw
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