Affordable and quality education in Tanzania: the case of Silverleaf Academy
It is a common belief that quality and innovative education in Tanzania can only be received from international schools and by paying huge sums of money. But that is not entirely true as the case of Silverleaf Academy show.
Silverleaf Academy is Tanzania's first chain of affordable pre-primary and primary private English Medium schools. Their mission is to provide the highest quality education possible at the most affordable price. Their philosophy is “Education Through Innovation.” The School is the first in the country to deploy an interactive tablet based curriculum.
Silverleaf Academy style of teaching is called C21st (21st century). What we found most interesting is their use of tablets as a digital textbook whereby curriculum changes are easy to download (without needing to purchase brand new textbooks) and the combination of interactive quizzes, music, read-along text, and instructional videos all enhancing the student’s learning experience.
The content is designed for students to work through in pairs, which also activates peer-learning and peer-assessment. In addition to their teaching qualifications, all Silverleaf teachers and assistants undergo a pre and in-service training. All this ensures cost reduction, qualified teachers, but also maintains quality and innovative education.
Let’s hear more about Silverleaf Academy from their CEO and Co-founder, Dr Gordon Carver.
Despite its short period in Tanzania, other private schools like Arusha Modern School are already partnering with Silverleaf Academy to import their C21st style of teaching and learning. This will also involve coaching of their teachers.
Do you think other private schools should deploy the Silverleaf Academy teaching style and management, or should the government introduce this in public schools too?
