Tanzanian children’s perceptions of education and their role in society. View of the children

This study is the result of participatory research with children, a developing field of research in Tanzania, and in many other African countries. The survey involved 512 children aged from 7 to 14 years from ten regions in Mainland Tanzania. As the ‘consumers’ of education, children provide useful information for those working for and with children – from policy makers to teachers. This report contains their opinions on a range of issues relating to education, such as school services (including healthcare, water supply and food), textbooks, performance by teachers, discipline, extra charges, and their desired improvements to education. Researchers also asked for their opinions on their social and economic contributions to their families and communities, their desire for and access to information, formal and informal ways they are listened to, and their aspirations for the future.