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.

Private party got me in trouble

We threw a lavish baptism for our baby last weekend at our residence on the outskirts of town. After weeks of planning and a hefty bill we could barely afford, the party was in full swing with music, food stalls, a hired band and about 150 guests. Midway through the speeches, a group of local government officers arrived, announced that the event was unlawful, ordered the music to be stopped, and told everyone to leave. They stated that the venue lacked the required permits and that the catering and sound equipment were operating outside permitted hours. They photographed the scene, confiscated some equipment, issued a notice and a fine, and posted about the incident on the local council’s social media, warning that even private parties require permits and that citizens should ensure they obtain them from the local government. We were embarrassed. Our guests dispersed in shock, leaving the family with unpaid suppliers and a ruined celebration. We have growing worries that the officers had overstepped their powers. Pls guide.

MJ, Coastal Region

Sorry about your party. When it comes to private parties, the law largely depends on the local bylaws that apply to the event’s location. Under Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act, Cap. 287 [R.E. 2023], and the Local Government (District Authorities) Act, Cap. 287 [R.E 2023], local councils and municipal authorities are generally empowered to make and enforce bylaws regulating matters such as large gatherings, amplified sound, hours of operation, food vending and temporary commercial activity. Those bylaws can require permits for events above a specific size, set noise or curfew limits, and provide for fines or other sanctions where the rules are breached. If a bylaw required a permit for a private event of that scale and you or the venue did not obtain it, the council may lawfully fine you or order you to stop the event.

However, whether the officers acted lawfully depends on both the procedures followed and the actual conduct. Right away, gather and safeguard all relevant documents, such as the written notice or citation you received, the names and agency details of the officer’s present, photos or videos of what happened, contracts and receipts from the vendors and suppliers. These records are crucial whether you decide to challenge the action against the officials. Next, review the notice to identify which specific law or regulation is cited and to understand the legal basis for the closure. Check your contracts with the venue and suppliers to see who was responsible for permits, sometimes they assume that duty and may be liable for costs. If the notice from the council is unclear, or if officers took equipment without proper authority, you might have grounds to challenge their actions. If equipment was seized, request an inventory list and written reasons, and try to get it returned through the council’s internal process or Courts, although this may be costly. Also, check the amount of fine imposed, as there is a limit to this.

Lastly, for your future events, include permits in your planning checklist. Confirm with the suppliers whether they are responsible for obtaining the necessary permits, get everything in writing, and keep copies throughout the event. We believe your lawyer can help you decide whether to pay, appeal, negotiate, or pursue legal action after assessing the situation. Consult your lawyer about whether to file a formal complaint or take legal action.