Policies

TUTU program

Context and Issue

In Zanzibar, there were significant challenges in ensuring that all children, particularly those in remote and underserved areas, have access to quality early learning opportunities. Traditional teaching methods often do not engage young learners effectively, leading to issues related to cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and socio-emotional competence issues.

Solution

The TUTU program targeted pre-primary aged children, typically between the ages of 3 and 6 years old. This age group is crucial for early childhood education, focusing on cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and socio-emotional competence through play-based learning and interactive educational methods. The TuTu program, short for Tucheze Tujifunze ("learning through play"), operates through a community-based model designed to reach children in remote and underserved areas. These centers were established to meet community demand for accessible preschool education close to home. Community members, including parents and local leaders, are involved in setting up and maintaining these centers, which are located in schools and community spaces. Classrooms are equipped with age-appropriate toys, sensory materials, and spaces for imaginative play, with an emphasis on learning through games, songs, and physical activities. Teachers and mentors receive extensive training in play-based techniques and interactive radio instruction, along with continuous professional development. The program uses interactive radio to ensure consistent quality education, especially in remote areas, and aligns with Zanzibar’s pre-primary curriculum, supported by partners like USAID and GPE.

Impact

The establishment of the TuTu program in Zanzibar since 2006, has led to significant improvements in early childhood education. Pre-primary enrollment increased from 15% in 2006 to 87% as of 2023. The number of TuTu centers grew to 394, with over 330 teachers trained for pre-primary classrooms and 290 mentors trained to use radios for teaching. An additional 120 TuTu centers were established through a GPE grant, enrolling almost 16,000 children. Initially funded by USAID with a US$4 million project from 2006-2010, the program established 180 centers, and leveraged funding led to the establishment of almost 400 centers. A 2009 impact study showed that children attending TuTu centers had better Kiswahili, English, and math skills than those who did not attend. The program also teaches life skills, helping children learn socialization. Over 180 new radio lessons were developed, and teacher training included methods for effective classroom preparation and lesson delivery. These statistics demonstrate the extensive reach and effectiveness of the TuTu program in transforming early childhood education in Zanzibar, making it more accessible and improving the quality of learning for young children.

According to Khalid Wazir, Deputy Principal Secretary (Administration), Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Zanzibar, “As more students enter grade 1 with a pre-primary education, we are seeing an improvement in retention. Over the past 3 years, the dropout rate for grade 1 has decreased from 2.9% to 0.7%.” These statistics demonstrate the extensive reach and effectiveness of the TuTu program in transforming early childhood education in Zanzibar, making it more accessible and improving the quality of learning for young children.

Analysis

The TuTu program in Zanzibar improves early childhood education in remote areas through a community-based model involving parents and local leaders. It provides resources, trains teachers in play-based methods, and uses interactive radio instruction, aligned with the national curriculum. Supported by USAID and GPE, the program has significantly increased pre-primary enrollment and reduced dropout rates. Its success is due to a holistic approach, innovative teaching methods, and continuous adaptation to community needs.