According to UNICEF, in 2007, Tanzania’s government pledged access to free primary school education for every child. Nevertheless, since then the registration of children attending primary school decreased strongly. Approximately, 2 million children in the age between 7 and 13 years do not have access to education at all, which means they do not even learn basic skills. Furthermore, about 70 % of children aged 14-17 are not registered in secondary school.
The nearest official school is located approximately 20km away in the neighboring village, Looltepes. Only 23 percent of school-age children attend classes because of the distance. The remainder stay home to tend their herds or await marriage – never receiving a basic education.
Loongung’s residents value education, however, which is why the community hired a teacher. For the past three years, she has conducted classes under the thorn tree planted in front of her house. The number of students continues to grow despite the lack of a school building, elevating the need for support.