Joseph Isangura
Former President Jakaya Kikwete has called on Tanzanians to develop a culture of reading to enhance innovation and address challenges in the Kiswahili language.
Speaking at the 10th anniversary of Watetezi wa Kiswahili Tanzania (WAKITA) held at the University of Dar es Salaam’s Nkrumah Hall, Dr. Kikwete emphasized the importance of books in fostering creativity and preventing societal misinformation.
Dr. Kikwete lamented the low reading habits among Tanzanians, stating, “If you want to keep information from a Tanzanian, put it in a book because they will not read it.” He urged the public to engage more with literature to improve their understanding and utilization of the Kiswahili language.
The event, marking a decade of WAKITA’s efforts in promoting Kiswahili, also highlighted the organization’s achievements and ongoing projects. WAKITA has been instrumental in advocating for the proper use of Kiswahili and addressing linguistic challenges through research and community programs.
Dr. Kikwete’s remarks come at a time when the Tanzanian government is focusing on improving educational standards and literacy rates. The former president, who now chairs the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), has been vocal about the need for educational reforms across Africa. During a recent session at the African Development Bank’s annual meetings in Nairobi, he called for an overhaul of education and food systems to ensure schoolchildren are adequately nourished and able to learn effectively.
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“We need to invest in transforming education systems. A key part of this endeavor is to ensure that no child is too hungry to learn,” Dr. Kikwete noted. He pointed out that school feeding programs have proven to be effective in increasing enrollment and improving learning outcomes in Africa. According to Kikwete, malnutrition remains one of the biggest hurdles to human development on the continent, with millions of children suffering from stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition.
The GPE, under Kikwete’s leadership, has invested billions of dollars to help countries close the education financing gap. The partnership with the African Development Bank aims to bring innovative approaches to funding education and addressing malnutrition among schoolchildren.
In Tanzania, efforts to improve literacy and promote Kiswahili are seen as crucial to the country’s socio-economic development. WAKITA’s initiatives, supported by government policies and international collaborations, aim to ensure that Kiswahili remains a dynamic and influential language both locally and globally.
