The power of school clubs: Building skills and friendships

Primary school is a crucial stage for any child's development, and one way to enhance their education is through a diverse range of school clubs.

School clubs are an important aspect of the school experience and can benefit students in so many ways.

Club activities are extracurricular activities that students can participate in outside of their regular academic classes.

The activities offer students the opportunity to learn new skills, explore their interests, and foster a sense of belonging.

Grace Rodgers, a student at Mburahati Primary School in Dar es Salaam, is a member of her school’s environment club.

Grace joined the environment club because she loves nature and wants to learn more about saving our planet.

“When I found out there was a club dedicated to protecting the environment, I knew I had to be a part of it,” she proudly shares.

The 10-year-old explains that being a member of the environment club has helped her gain so much knowledge about the world and her surroundings.

“We usually have meetings where we discuss important environmental issues like pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Our teacher also invites experts who come and give us informative talks about these topics. I have learnt about the importance of recycling and how it helps reduce waste."

According to Grace, one exciting thing about being in the environmental club is that she gets to participate in hands-on activities.

“We organise clean-up campaigns where we collect garbage on the school grounds and the surrounding areas. This not only helps keep our school clean but also teaches us the importance of proper waste management.”

She adds; “We also plant trees in the school garden, and it feels amazing to see them grow and contribute to a greener environment.” 

For his part, Ludovic Edwin, 9, a student at Upanga Primary School who is a member of the anti-corruption club, says it's been an amazing journey so far as the club has helped him gain knowledge and has also transformed him into a more responsible citizen.

“Corruption is something I've always heard about but didn't fully understand. Through this club, I have not only learnt why corruption is wrong but also discovered how I can contribute towards creating a more just society,” he shares.

Being a member of the anti-corruption club has provided him with various opportunities to learn and gain knowledge.

At his school, they normally have regular club meetings where they discuss different aspects of corruption, its effects on society, and how each one of them can combat it.

“Listening to other students' perspectives has broadened my understanding of various issues related to corruption. The club has truly changed me for the better.”

“It has transformed me from a curious child into an informed and responsible citizen. I strive to be honest, fair, and transparent in everything I do, and I encourage others to do the same,” he explains.

11-year-old Tito Msekela, a student at Kimara Baruti Primary School admits that joining the literature club at his school was the best decision he has made in his school life.

Tito loves exploring new worlds, meeting interesting characters, and learning valuable lessons from different perspectives.

“Before joining the club, I mostly read storybooks meant for my age. I have since discovered an extensive range of literature, including poetry, classic novels, and even plays. Through our club meetings, we discuss and share our thoughts on various pieces of literature, which has greatly expanded my horizons.”

Tito reveals that he has already read more than 15 books since joining the club in March last year.

“Being a part of the Literature Club has helped me enhance my communication and presentation skills. During our club meetings, I often get the chance to present my thoughts and interpretations in front of my peers. This has improved my confidence and ability to express myself effectively,” he says.

Mr Thomas Mashaka, a resident of Tabata who was once an art club member in school, says being a part of the club had a profound impact on his life.

“The art club not only provided me with a platform to express my creativity but also enabled me to learn and grow in various ways,” he reveals.

One of the most significant benefits of being in the art club, he says, was the opportunity to develop his artistic skills as a singer and pianist.

These skills, he says, have stayed with him throughout his life and continue to be a source of joy and self-expression.

“Being a part of the art club taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork. Art projects often required working together with fellow club members, brainstorming ideas, and combining our unique skills to create something beautiful,” he shares.

This experience helped him understand the value of cooperation, compromise, and appreciating diverse perspectives, skills that have been invaluable in other areas of his life as well.

Josephine Bahi, a resident of Dar es Salaam who was an environment club member during her school days way back in the 1990s, says it was a life-changing experience.

“Joining the club not only exposed me to various aspects of environmental conservation but also instilled in me a sense of responsibility towards our planet. It enhanced my knowledge and awareness about the environment, enabling me to make informed decisions in my daily life.”

Josephine says she became more knowledgeable about conserving resources, minimising her carbon footprint, and advocating for sustainable practices.

“The club provided me with a platform to connect with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for environmental conservation," says Josephine.

According to her, these friendships and collaborations brought about a sense of belonging and companionship, which made the experience even more enjoyable and impactful.

The club also “encouraged me to explore my interests further, leading me to pursue a career in environmental science.”

Ms Hamisa Komba, a primary school teacher in Dar es Salaam, says it is essential for children to be members of clubs in school.

“Joining clubs has a significant impact on their future lives. Being part of a club allows children to explore their interests and develop their talents.

The teacher explains that school clubs offer a wide range of choices, such as sports, music, drama, science, and many more.

“Joining a club related to their passion gives children the opportunity to engage in activities they truly enjoy and excel in,” Ms Komba notes.

Benard Kivuyo, another teacher, says that the clubs often provide access to resources and equipment that may not be available to students outside of school, giving them even more opportunities to enhance their abilities.

In addition to personal growth, being a member of a club fosters social development and helps children build lasting friendships.

Through club activities and meetings, children learn how to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and resolve conflicts.

These valuable social skills not only benefit them during their time in school but also play a crucial role in their future lives.

When children grow up, they will frequently encounter teamwork situations in their careers, and the ability to work well with others will be highly valued.

Thus, being a club member prepares children to effectively interact with people from diverse backgrounds, promoting tolerance, respect, and understanding.