EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
After realizing that education is a sure means towards the improvement of the economy of Tanzania, the Tanzanian government formulated the Education and Training Policy Act in 1995. This policy integrated preschools into the formal schooling system. This is designed for children between the ages of 3-6 years, and the major objective is to introduce pre-schools into every primary school in Tanzania. The Tanzanian government has dictated that this policy be carried outby local governments, private institutions and individuals. The major objective of initiating these per-schools is to enrich Tanzanian children by promoting early childhood educational opportunities. Up to this point in time, educational experiences available to children have been provided by community members and family. In a formal educational setting, the children would be able to begin to learn about areas like religion, language, culture, health care etc.
In addition, the Tanzanian government aims to improve access to education and enrollment numbers at the primary and secondary levels, because in the previous education system high drop-out rates were commonplace.
Furthermore, the Education and Training Policy act was passed by the government after realizingthat early childhood education leaves an imprint on children’s minds, and it is a significant factor in the mental and social development of children. Now, the government is putting extra stress on local governments, private institutions and individuals to develop opportunities for this kind of education. This pressure derives from the government’s desire to develop the country’s human resources.
Natopiwo Project builds its foundation from these expressed needs. Natopiwo hopes to address these early childhood needs in the Maasai community of Northern Tanzania by setting up a Pre-school Center. This center would give children access to educational opportunities which will help prevent stunted cognitive development of child and will help produce better future performance in school.
Natopiwo project will offer pre-school and free Education to Maasai children at Monduli juu.
