Joseph Isangura
In a bid to improve academic performance and strengthen collaboration between teachers, parents, and students, stakeholders at Kinyerezi Mpya Secondary School held their first engagement of 2026.
The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Mayor of Dar es Salaam, John Ryoba Mrema, who also serves as the local councillor, and focused on strategies to enhance education quality and student success.
The initiative comes as part of a wider effort to reduce the number of students failing national and internal school examinations, particularly in Forms Four and Two. Deputy Mayor Mrema emphasized the importance of joint efforts between educators and parents, pledging incentives to motivate students. He announced a reward of two million Tanzanian shillings for top-performing students and promised to provide teachers with improved office seating and television equipment to access educational resources.
Teachers outlined new teaching methodologies to parents, explaining how classroom strategies are designed to strengthen students’ understanding and academic skills. The meeting also highlighted plans to introduce supportive learning schedules that balance study, self-learning, and rest, ensuring students maintain focus while fostering a positive learning environment.
The school’s headmistress, Magdalena Sehelele, presented an overview of student performance trends and strategies for 2026. She stressed the importance of eradicating failure rates and creating a friendly, effective system for learners. She encouraged parents to actively monitor their children’s progress at home and in school, establishing structured routines for study and homework. “Parents and guardians play a critical role in supporting academic achievement,” she said.
Mrema commended the collaboration between parents and teachers, emphasizing that such engagement builds strong ties between the government and the education sector. He reiterated his commitment to introducing positive reforms that enhance learning outcomes and create a conducive environment for students to thrive.
Also Read; Tanzania Begins Local Production of Lifesaving HIV Medicines
Parents attending the meeting expressed appreciation for the Deputy Mayor’s hands-on involvement, noting his accessibility and readiness to address educational challenges. Many described him as a role model for leadership and community engagement, encouraging other leaders to adopt similar approaches in supporting schools.
Education experts highlight that parent-teacher collaboration is a proven factor in improving student performance, increasing motivation, and ensuring consistent learning outcomes. By fostering communication, providing resources, and incentivizing achievement, schools can create environments where students are empowered to succeed.
The Kinyerezi Mpya initiative also aligns with national strategies to strengthen secondary education in Tanzania, particularly through engagement with local government, educators, and communities. It demonstrates how local leadership and active parental involvement can drive meaningful improvements in educational quality.
With the first meeting of 2026 complete, stakeholders hope the strategies introduced will reduce failure rates, enhance student learning, and ensure a holistic approach to education. The partnership between the school, parents, and local authorities is being viewed as a model for other schools in Dar es Salaam seeking to improve academic outcomes and foster strong community engagement.
