I have elected to focus on this short video 'Building a strong Foundation for Education, Tanzania', created by a non-profitable organisation known as 'Room to Read'. This organisation focuses primarily on two areas, literacy and gender equality in education. They work with 'Collaboration with communities, and local government across Africa and Asia' (Room to Read, 2013).  I will then outline the core purpose of this video, and significant points made throughout.
 

This video focuses on a town in the rural side of Tanzania, Turaini.  Initially, it is easy to acknowledge that the community is economically and environmentally deprived, living amongst severe poverty with the majority of the community relying deeply on agriculture as primary source of income, in order to purchase basic supplies to survive.  As a result of this, Education for most pupils is discarded and truancy levels are high. A local headmaster, Mr Thrabiti justified the children's absence stating 'Children will move to farming, in order to fend for themselves'  (Building a strong foundation for Education, 2013 ). It is clear from this video, that agriculture has become a necessity, instead of a choice. Therefore, it is notable that economic and environmental factors in this town is jeopardizing the lifestyle, health and education of many individuals.
 

Furthermore,  inadequate amenities in Turaini, has resulted in poor infrastructure of essential provisions such as schools and health care centres.  The country director, Mr Mwalongo (2013) described school classrooms to have been dilapidated and with insufficient resources and space, resulted in overcrowded class sizes and at times pupils with no chairs and desks. It is important to note that effective learning requires the ethos to be stimulating, safe and varied for the welfare of the child. Without a secure and stimulating environment, it could  become extremely hard to stay focused and motivated when in school for both pupils and the educator.
 

In addition to this, Room to Read enforced a community project focusing on 15 schools in Turaini, constructing new classrooms for the pupils to learn. Doing this, it is apparent the positive social effects this scheme had on the community. In each school, the community is expected to donate materials, manage, take responsibility and assist in the invention of the  classrooms. Doing this, allows many individuals to develop skills, gain experience and positively contribute towards their community. From analysing the video, it is evident that this project instilled a sense of community. My Mwalongo explained that doing this 'enables the community to have ownership of the programme'. (Building a strong foundation for Education, 2013). It is organizations like this, who allow citizens to actively participate in the development of their community, providing hope of better quality education for their future generation.
 

To conclude, although Turaini is still receiving inadequate funding from the government, together alongside Room to Read, the community has rebuilt school provisions for their children. The environment for learning is now good, and pupils have enough space.  A local parent from the town explained that 'the organisation allowed the community to understand the importance of education' (Building a strong foundation for Education, 2013). It is important to note that after completing the classrooms, each provision upholds a room designated as a library.  This project has given education  value, and has made learning conditions significantly healthier. The core purpose behind this video was explaining that uniting together as a team, you could improve environments and make education and the future of youths brighter, regardless of the circumstances.

By Aneesa Khan