Dar es Salaam \u2014 The World Bank has finally approved the $500 million education loan that was delayed following pressure from civil society organisations which raised concerns over schoolgirls’ rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The global lender said in a statement on Wednesday, April 1, that the education support will directly benefit about 6.5 million secondary school students by strengthening government-run schools and establishing stronger educational pathways for students who leave the formal school system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Every child in Tanzania deserves a good education, but thousands are denied this life-changing opportunity each year. This project puts the country’s young people front and center; it also dedicates two-thirds of its resources to better and safer learning environments for girls,” said Ms Mara Warwick, World Bank country director for Tanzania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This is an important step in addressing the challenges that Tanzania’s children face throughout their education. The World Bank will continue our dialogue with the government on broader issues concerning equal treatment of schoolchildren,” she added in the statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opposition MP Zitto Kabwe and activists in Tanzania urged the World Bank to withdraw the loan citing deteriorating human rights and particularly blocking pregnant girls from staying in school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n