The growing importance of career guidance in secondary schools

In today's rapidly changing world, the importance of career guidance programmes cannot be overstated. These programmes are designed to help students understand their strengths, interests, and the various career options available.

The need for effective career guidance is even more critical in Tanzania, where the youth population is burgeoning. According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, Tanzania has a predominantly youthful population, with 77 percent under the age of 35 and 34.7 percent between the ages of 15 and 35.

According to experts, career guidance programmes play a pivotal role in shaping students' futures. They help students identify their interests and strengths, set realistic career goals, and plan the educational and career paths necessary to achieve these goals.

This process enhances students' motivation and academic performance and reduces the uncertainty and anxiety associated with career decisions.

A teacher at Manzese Secondary School, Ms Kijambile Mwakyusa, emphasises the transformative impact of career guidance programmes.

She says that when students receive proper guidance, they become more focused and motivated. “They understand the relevance of their studies to their future careers, which significantly improves their academic performance," shares Ms Kijambile.

Mr Joel John, a teacher at Shaaban Robert Secondary School, agrees. He says that career guidance helps students make informed choices. “It prevents them from blindly following trends or societal pressures and instead encourages them to pursue careers that align with their passions and abilities."

Ms Salome Shija, another teacher, highlights the long-term benefits. She says that students who receive career guidance are better prepared for the job market. This is because they have a clear vision of their future, which gives them an edge over their peers who lack such guidance.

However, Ms Salome says that for this to be effective, career guidance programmes must be well integrated into the school curriculum.

“This integration can take various forms, including individual counselling, workshops, seminars, and career fairs. The involvement of trained career counsellors and teachers is crucial for the success of these programmes,” explains Ms Salome.

The absence of career guidance programmes in schools leaves students grappling with uncertainty about their future.

Amani Kyomo, a Form Four student, reflects on the current situation: "Career guidance is something we miss in our school. Without it, many of us feel lost when it comes to choosing a career path. We have to rely on our research or ask our parents, who may not always know what’s best for us.”

Amani says the presence of career guidance in schools makes it easier for students to set realistic goals and plan their future effectively.

Mariana Justine, also a student, highlights the gap in exploring career options. She says the absence of a career guidance programme at her school makes it difficult for students to make informed decisions when it comes to career choice. “We often hear about different careers but don’t get the chance to explore them in depth.”

Mariana says career guidance done through workshops, and inviting guest speakers from various professions would be helpful. This would, according to her, give students a clearer picture of what different jobs involve and help them decide which path might be right for them.

Suleiman Juma, a Form Five student at Tambaza Secondary School, adds to the conversation by addressing the lack of structured career planning.

"Not having career guidance means students miss out on crucial information about career planning. We don’t have a structured way to explore our interests or learn about the skills required for different careers,” says Suleiman.

He says that with career guidance programmes, students would benefit from personalised counselling and career assessments. This, according to him, would help students understand where their skills fit best and what educational paths they should follow to achieve their career goals.

Julita Mwaibula, another secondary school student, describes the challenges of navigating career choices without guidance.

"Without career guidance programmes, we’re left to figure things out on our own, which can be overwhelming. Many of us feel uncertain about our future careers and lack direction. Career guidance could provide us with the tools and resources to make informed decisions, shares Julita.

She says having access to career fairs and internship opportunities would allow students to gain practical experience and insights into various professions, making it easier to choose a career that aligns with their interests and skills.

Kevin Matienyi, a student at Jamhuri Secondary School, voices his concerns about the absence of guidance.

"Our school does not have such a programme, so we often feel like we’re missing out on important advice about our future. Learning about different career options and the educational requirements for each would help us make better choices about our studies and future jobs. It would also boost our confidence in pursuing our desired careers," he shares.

These students' views collectively underscore the critical need for career guidance programmes in secondary schools. By providing structured support and resources, such programmes could empower students to make informed decisions about their future, bridging the gap between education and career success.

Dr Amos Chacha, a math expert at St Augustine University of Tanzania, says the youth population in Tanzania is growing rapidly and that without proper guidance, many young people may end up in careers that do not match their skills or interests.

This, Dr Chacha says, might lead to job dissatisfaction and underemployment. He says career guidance programmes are crucial in addressing this.

Dr Chacha says implementing career guidance programmes is not without challenges. Some of the common issues include a lack of resources, trained personnel, and awareness about the importance of these programmes.

“The government and private sector can collaborate to allocate resources for career guidance programmes. This collaboration can include funding for training career counsellors, organising workshops, and providing materials and resources for students,” he shares.

Dr Chacha says investing in the training and development of career counsellors and teachers is essential. These professionals, according to him, need to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to guide students effectively.

The Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Omar Kipanga, emphasised the government's commitment to enhancing career guidance in schools.

"The government recognises the importance of career guidance programmes in shaping the future of our youth. We are working towards integrating these programmes into the national curriculum and providing the necessary support to schools. Our goal is to ensure that every student has access to quality career guidance," he explained.