Dar es Salaam. As Standard Seven pupils prepare to sit for their Primary School Leaving Examinations on September 10 and 11, education stakeholders have outlined ways in which parents and guardians can support them during the upcoming three-month holiday.
The period is seen as an opportunity for parents to nurture their children’s talents and interests, enabling them to explore skills such as drawing, singing, sports, writing, or technology. Stakeholders emphasise that this can be achieved not only by enrolling them in pre-Form One preparation classes but also by encouraging them to pursue hobbies that could benefit them in the future.
Parents have been urged to listen to their children, understand their interests and guide them without imposing restrictions. Developing talents early, they said, can create a foundation for long-term success.
The students completing Standard Seven this year began their academic journey in 2019, and their primary education chapter comes to a close this week.
Education stakeholder Nicodemus Shauri observed that in rural areas, children are often absorbed into daily activities such as farming and livestock keeping, while in urban settings they may need more structured engagements, including pre-Form One studies.
He advised that parents should also consider enrolling children in short courses that align with their passions, such as music, baking, or decoration, arguing that vocational skills can serve them well later in life.
“For those who are unsure of their interests, extra classes can be an option. But given how the world is changing, it is better to introduce children to vocational education early. Some may not wish to pursue formal academics and instead excel in sports or other areas, and they should be supported there,” Mr Shauri said.
He added that this holiday is also an opportunity for parents to discover hidden talents in their children and help them pursue their goals. “Pre-Form One classes are not a bad idea, but they will learn those subjects once school begins in January. It is better for them to focus on something different,” he said.
Assistant Lecturer at Iringa University, Valerius Haule, said that this period should also allow children to rest after years of continuous study. He cautioned that many schools keep students engaged in academics even during holidays, leaving little room for breaks.
“This time is good for resetting a child’s mind. It also allows parents to teach life skills that children can use later in life. Many urban children cannot perform basic tasks such as cooking or washing clothes, regardless of gender. The holiday provides a chance to instil good manners, youth life skills and a sense of responsibility,” he said.
Education stakeholder Muhanyi Nkoronko argued that while pre-Form One classes are popular among parents, they may not offer much value, as the subjects will be taught again once pupils join secondary school.
“Although such classes may broaden a child’s understanding, many centres use curricula that do not align with what will actually be taught in Form One. Parents may end up wasting money on lessons that add little long-term academic benefit,” he said.
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