Morning Parades

A Morning Parade at Mzumbe

One of the common traditions at Tanzanian secondary schools is the observance of a daily parade each morning (or an assembly, as we would commonly call it).  This is a daily ritual at just about each secondary school, and it is a way for students and teachers to prepare themselves for the day ahead.

The most important parade is held on Monday, where a number of regular events occur.  After the entire student body assembles (usually grouped by each Form), the parade starts with the raising of the Tanzanian flag.  This is accompanied by the singing of the Tanzanian national anthem.  At Mzumbe, they also sing the school song in addition to the national anthem.  Following the flag raising, the headmaster will conduct an inspection of the students, where he or she will pass through the student body and make sure that their appearance and uniform is in order.  Once the inspection is complete, the headmaster will give any announcements they have for the student body as well as a few other words of wisdom and encouragement.  After this, any other teachers with announcements will speak and then the parade is concluded with someone from the student body giving some announcements, or giving a speech on a specific topic or even reading a poem that they may have written.  This is always a fun part of the parade because it is an opportunity for students to express their creativity to their fellow student body, and also polish their public speaking skills.  Once the parade is concluded, the students are dismissed to their classes to begin their day.

Each day’s parade is different but essentially has the same routine.  Monday is always the most important and longest parade because it is the beginning of the week, and each following day’s parade gets progressively shorter.  By Friday, the assembly only lasts a few minutes.  Because the schools don’t have PA systems, the parade is the only opportunity for announcements to be made for the students.  I think it is a good aspect of the school day because it emphasizes school community and is a good way to start off the day with a regular routine.  It gets the students focused before class and prepares both teachers and students for the day of classes ahead.