Schools and Churches This is the fifth installment of my impressions of Africa Schools
and Churches The first morning after our arrival I was awakened
at first light at 5 a.m. by the chant from the local mosque calling
the faithful to morning prayer. As the chant was repeated faintly
in the distance I could envision it spreading throughout the city.
The Muslim faith is a strong influence in Tanzania and East Africa.
So is Christianity, with representation from Lutheran, Anglican,
Catholic, Presbyterian and Baptist denominations, among others.
The demographics for religion in Tanzania are 35% Muslim, 35% Christian
and 30% indiginous local religions. The Lutherans are the largest
Christian denomination in Tanzania with 5 million members. There
are churches and mosques scattered everywhere in the city. Many
of the churches operate preschool and primary schools. Dan and Catherine are participating in the life of the church with their usual enthusiasm. Members of the congregation serve as "volunteer recruits" to lead Sunday morning and special services. Preachers are from the congregation or guest pastors. The ones we have heard have all been Lutheran, both active and retired. Catherine serves on the Christian Education committee. Dan sings tenor in the choir and plays piano to accompany the children. Catherine teaches one day a week in the preschool run by the church. Emily and Grace attend the preschool. One of the highlights of our visit was the Service of Candlelight and Carols on the Monday before Christmas in which the grandkids sang with the children's choir and Dan accompanied on the piano. The church is blessed with a richness of cultural diversity and dedicated people of many talents and spiritual gifts. Sarah rides the bus ("Looks like a daladala with Chinese writing on the side.")to attend third grade (Primary P4) at the International School several miles outside of town. The International School offers programs for Primary 1 through 6, Secondary 1 through 4 (equivalent to our 7 through 10 grade), followed by a 2 year baccalaureate program. The Tanzanian school system offers mandatory Primary grades 1 through 7(beginning at age 7), followed by exams, which take a year. Upon passing, students enter Form 4 secondary education (four years), followed by another exam(another year for this). Depending on the results a student may enter trade schools or continue in college studies for a baccalaureate degree. A young person is well into his or her 20's by the time these studies are completed. A good number of young people don't go beyond the mandatory first seven years. One of the places we visited was Mwangaza, an educational resource center. It is located in Ilboru Village. This school has been supported jointly by the ELCA and the ELCT, and trains teachers and health care workers from throughout Tanzania. Women's issues have been a particular focus. We were given a tour of the classroms and dormitories. Construction is ongoing for additional housing of students visiting for short-term studies.
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Catherine
and Dan have chosen to attend an interdenominational church that
holds an English speaking service. The church is attended by a number
of African families, but also serves English speaking expatriates
as well as permanent residents. Several young adult students attend
regularly to improve their English.