Spent all money, no funds for fees

We live in Dar es Salaam and money has been tight since my husband lost his job. We also spent a lot over the holidays and now we’re really broke. Our 11‑year‑old may not attend school this January. I keep thinking we should withdraw her from school and teach her at home to save on fees. I can see how a calmer, one‑to‑one approach might help her learn better, but I don’t want to break the law or close off her chances of sitting recognised national exams later. Before we make any decision, I need to know whether we can legally teach her at home because we’re broke, and what practical steps we must take so she isn’t penalised in the future.

BH, Mbeya

Spending money during the holidays is quite common. We understand that you may be facing financial challenges, but it’s important to remember that under Tanzania’s laws, withdrawing a school-age child from school to teach at home requires following the proper legal steps.

The Education Act, Cap. 353 [R.E. 2023], along with the Basic Education (Compulsory Admission and Attendance) Rules, mandates that children must attend school unless they receive an exemption. Home education is allowed, but you need to get approval in advance from the relevant education authorities. The best way to do this is to write a letter to the District Education Officer (DEO).

In your letter, explain your family’s financial difficulties and why you believe home-schooling would be beneficial. Include a detailed learning plan aligned with the national syllabus so the authorities can see you’re covering all necessary subjects and learning outcomes. Attach any supporting documents you have. Be prepared for the DEO to conduct periodic checks, inspections, or request progress reports to ensure your child’s education meets standards. Keep detailed records of attendance, lesson plans, work samples, and assessment results to demonstrate progress during inspections or when applying for national exams.

To ensure your child can sit recognized exams like the CSEE or ACSEE later on, plan to register her through a recognized exam centre once she reaches the appropriate age. Remember, trying to home school without proper approval can pose legal risks and may lead to enforcement actions. It is therefore essential to obtain the DEO’s written exemption before proceeding. Consult your lawyer for further guidance.