About Us

 

I am currently in my second year of my undergraduate course at the University of Hertfordshire. From this module ‘Education: International Perspectives’, it has allowed me participate in a group project in order to conduct research, and gain a deep insight and understanding into the different education systems around the world. Predominantly focusing on Tanzania and its current state of societal factors through its education system has been challenging, interesting and greatly enlightening. It has been stimulating to explore the issues arising in Tanzanian culture and the limitations on specific areas in regards to political, social, cultural, economic and historic factors. I strongly believe that by looking at other educational systems, it allows us to understand our system in a more critical way, without being partial. This is through reflecting on effective and ineffective teaching methods, institutional structures, cultural ideas and other influencing factors. In addition to this, it provides a clear foundation on recognising and appreciating the similarities and differences between two educational systems in two different countries. Nonetheless, the majority of information was complex to contrast, with the wide-gap in educational development. However, it was interesting to see that some factors are more influential in one country than the other. For example, England relies on political and economic ideologies for changes to occur whereas cultural and social factors are crucial in shaping the education of the Tanzanian population. Similarly, through research it is evident to see that though Tanzania is a developing country it is becoming more progressive with the support of charities and non-profitable organisations. This illustrates the long standing hope of building and securing the lives of Tanzanians and their society. It is also empowering to comprehend that Tanzania considers education of great value and importance, than it did in the past. To conclude, through critical and comparative analysis, I have been able to recognise educational trends and patterns and come to substantiate my findings.  
- Shahima Aktar