Investing in Education: An Interview with Theopista Seuya

Theopista Seuya is the Asante Africa Foundation Country Director for Tanzania.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Education Policy and International Development from the University of Bristol, and previously served as a teacher, head of school, and university lecturer.  One Day’s Wages is partnering with Asante Africa Foundation to support the “Bridging the Gap” program that prepares vulnerable students to successfully transition into secondary school.

Theo Seuya discusses the importance of education with students at Ubiri Secondary School who completed Asante Africa’s Bridging the Gap Program.

Theo, tell me a bit about yourself and what compelled you to invest in education?

I wouldn’t be here if it were not for education. I was born in a rural community in which education for girls was not a priority. I was the first girl in my community to go to secondary school. I am now a Country Director and hold a Master’s Degree from the UK. It’s all because I was given access to education.

I went through the Tanzania education system myself, taught for many years, and was a university lecturer.  Through these experiences, I saw two major problems impacting education in Tanzania: the abrupt switch in language of instruction from Swahili to English in secondary school, and the lack of professional development opportunities for teachers.   I’m just starting my PhD in Education at Mwenge Catholic University, and would like to focus my thesis on continuing professional development for teachers in Tanzania.

How does investing in children’s education contribute to poverty alleviation?

Education is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values and attitudes.  People who are learned are able to apply (put into practice) their skills and knowledge to solve challenges and meet basic needs.  Hence, life is improved, and that is development and poverty alleviation.  If education is obtained but not applied, no transformation happens.  Transformation happens when education changes one’s mindset to bring about behavioral changes from good to better.

Education helps one realize their potential.  When you realize your potential, you use your knowledge as a tool to find local solutions to the challenges in your own life and in your community.  If we want to get rid of poverty, we have to first give our children quality education. 

What best practices do you recommend to organizations supporting children’s education?

Giving children access to education is not enough.  We need to invest in quality education.  There are many factors that contribute to quality education.  We need qualified, competent and self-motivated teachers who facilitate the learning process.  We also need teaching and learning materials, and appropriate school infrastructure like latrines and proper seating.

The philosophy of education in Tanzania is “education for self-reliance.”  I love that, because education liberates!  However, we have to ask ourselves: are we living this philosophy?  Are we bridging the gap between knowledge and skills?   

If we really want to transform our communities, then we need to invest in education from the very beginning.  It informs everything else.  It sets people free!  But no organization can do it all.  We need to come together to address education gaps. 

What gives you hope and joy in your work with children?

The thing I love about children and youth is they are always curious to learn and open minded. They are the current and future change agents in our communities.  If they are not excited to learn, there is a problem with the facilitator or the content.  A good facilitator should always make sure the children love what they are learning.  When we put young people at the center of learning, and teach them according to relevant curriculum, they learn to become change agents in their communities, hence breaking the vicious cycle of poverty..   The power to transform lives is in education!

One Day’s Wages’ Grants Director, Daphne Fowler, with Asante Africa Foundation Country Director for Tanzania, Theopista Seuya.