Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.
COLLECTION OF NOTES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING CIVICS FORM ONE TO FOUR
COVICS NOTES
CIVICS-FORM ONE NOTES
CIVICS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL COLLECTION OF NOTES FOR LEARNING AND TEACHING FORM ONE
collected by
SHANNERY S. MILINGA
Published in Tanzania by:
Shannery shemei Milinga
Einoti secondary school
Box, 15018,
Arusha
Tanzania
© Shannery Shemei Milinga 2017
second edition 2019
SHANNERY SHEMEI PUBLISHER ARUSHA, TANZANIA
CONTENTS
FORM ONE
1. Introduction to civics.
2. Our nation.
3. Promotion of life skill.
4. Human right.
5. Responsible citizenship
6. Work
7. Family life.
8. Proper behavior and responsible decision making.
9. Road safety education.
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO CIVICS
1.1 Meaning of civics/what is civics
Civics is the study of human rights, responsibilities of citizens, the governance and environment in which our society is found.
In civics we study about:-
i) The environment in which we live in.
ii) Government and governance.
iii) Human rights and responsibilities of citizens.
iv) Social cultural and economic development.
1:2 IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING CIVICS
The following are the significance/importance of studying civics:-
i) To understand human rights. Eg. rights to life, association, worship etc.
ii) To understand duties and responsibilities of citizens. Eg. To pay tax, to study etc.
iii) To understand environment in which we live in. eg. To know political systems etc.
iv) To promote peace and security in our society.
v) To understand and uphold our culture.
vi) To establish good relationship and respect.
vii) To understand road safety. Eg. Causes of road accident and the measure to reduce them.
EXERCISE
1. What is civics?
2. Mention six importance of studying civics
2:0 OUR NATION
By the end of this topic students should be able to:-
a) Define the term nation, List and analyses the components of our nation.
b) Define the term national symbols and identify Tanzania’s national symbols.
c) Explain the significance of each national symbol.
d) Define and identify Tanzania’s national festivals.
e) Assess the significance of national festivals.
2:1:0 THE COMPONENTS OF OUR NATION
By the end of this sub-topic student should be able to:-
a) Define a word nation.
b) List and analyses components of our nation.
2:1:1 Meaning of a nation.
When two people of different sex get together as husband and wife they form family.
Family is the social group of people who are closely related to each other which comprise father, mother, children and sometimes close relatives like uncle, aunts etc.
A clanis a combination of various families.
A tribeis a group of different clans who comprise people of the same culture ,history and language barriers.
Therefore the combinations of several tribes make up the population of the nation.
A nation is a large group or community of people living in a defined geographical area sharing common history, culture and language under the government
2:1:2 Components of our nation.
There are seven main components that make our nation. These are:-
1) Country.
2) Sovereignty.
3) Government.
4) People.
5) Language.
6)Culture.
7) History.
1. A country is an area of land that has boundaries and is under the control of government.
The term country sometimes use interchangeable with the state but, state is an organized political community in which the government exists with full political control. Or a state is a legal/political entity that comprise the following:
a)The permanent population who live in.
b) Defined territory with international recognized.
c) The government which provide public services.
d) External recognition i.e. capacity to enter into relation with others.
2. Sovereignty is the power of the state to govern itself like making, executing and apply law etc. or sovereignty is the country authority and right to govern itself.
Types of sovereignty
There are two types of sovereignty these are:-
a) Internal sovereignty
b)External sovereignty.
a) Internal sovereignty is where a country has the power to supervise all its internal affairs. Tanganyika becomes a sovereignty state in 9th December 1961 and Zanzibar got its sovereignty on 10th December 1963.
b) External sovereignty is a situation where by a country has the freedom to form its governing policy and foreign policy. Tanzania is a sovereignty state. It has both internal and external sovereignty.
Importance of national sovereignty
The following are some of the importance of national sovereignity
a) It maintain good relation with other nations. This is due to imposing good foreign policy.
b) It help to maintain peace and security of a nation. This done by making , executing and applying laws.
c) It encourage investors to invest in a country.
d) Citizens become free from dominated by other nation.
Factors affecting national sovereignty/hindrance to national sovereignty
Some of these factors are;-
a) Poverty; this make may nation to depend from another nation especially in getting aids which come with conditions which harm state sovereign.
b) Civil wars; the fight between ethnic groups within the nation affect freedom of the nation.
c) Natural hazards; like floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions destruct economy of the nation and there after a nation become depended.
3. Government is the selected or elected group of people who are responsible for controlling a country or a state. Or Government is the body of people which administers the state and maintain law and order.
In Tanzania we use the republic system of government. This means that country is headed by the president and political leaders elected by the people.
4. People: refers to the person who belongs to a particular country. In 2012 the population of Tanzania was estimated to be 47,445,392 people. The Tanzania people have their own common language, culture and history.
5. language is the system of communication mostly in speech and writing that is used by people of a particular society. Tanzania has more than 124 tribes that speak their language but the national language is Kiswahili.
6. Culture is the customs and beliefs of a particular group of people. It includes the people`s total ways of life and social organization.
7. History is the past events that occur in the development of a nation. Tanzania has a long history that includes events from pre colonial and post colonial.
2:2:0 THE NATIONAL SYMBOLS
By the end of this sub topic, students should be able to:-
a) Explain the meaning of national symbols and Identify Tanzania`s national symbols.
b) Explain the significance of each of the national symbol.
c) Define national festivals and identify Tanzania`s national festivals and their significance.
2:2:1 Meaning of national symbol
What is symbol?
Symbol is something that stands for or represent something else. A symbol can be in three different forms that is written, drawn or erected. Example of symbols are colors of frag, badges or caps.
What is national symbols?
National symbols are signs that represents a nation. Thesee have most importance as they serve as are reminder of our national hood to us and the rest of the world. Tanzania national symbols includes:-
1. National anthem.
2. The national flag.
3. The coat of arms.
4. The uhuru torch.
5. Tanzania constitution.
6. National currency.
7. National language.
8. National festivals
1) THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.
The national anthem is the official song of the nation. It is played or sung on special occasions such as:-
a) Before and after the president address the nation.
b) When the president inspects the guard.
c) At the opening of internal events e.g football matches.
d) When the president or vice president visit another country.
e) On the announcement of the death of the president or vice president.
f) When the national flag is being hoisted.
Importance of national anthem
The following are importance of national anthem:-
a) It is symbol of our nationality and freedom.
b) A unifying tool for Tanzanians.
c) It makes citizens feel proud of their country.
d) It is identity for internal recognition.
e) It express a senses of belonging to Tanzania and Africa.
2) THE NATIONAL FLAG
Flag is a piece of cloth with a special coloured design. National flag of Tanganyika was hosted for the first time on 9th December 1961 and that of united republic of Tanzania was hoisted on 26th April 1964 when Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form Tanzania. The main function of a national flag is to show that Tanzania is a complete independent and sovereign state.
Colours of Tanzania national flag.
Tanzania national flag has four colours which are:-
i. Black.
ii. Yellow
iii. Blue
iv. Green
i) Black:- represents the people of Tanzania.
ii) Yellow:-represents the natural wealth of Tanzania like minerals and national parks.
iii) Blue:-represents oceans and other water bodies found in Tanzania.
iv) Green:- represents land and vegetation of Tanzania.
Importance/significance/advantages/merits of national flag
National flag has the following importance/significance/merits/advantages:-
a) It is symbol for freedom and unity of the people.
b) It is a state symbol for the country and its citizens.
c) A symbol for nationality of Tanzania.
d) Sometimes represents misfortunes like death of state leader or many people at once dead and it is hoisted half post.
3. THE COAT OF ARM/NATIONAL EMBLEM
The coat af arm is the government longoar emblem which comprise many different colours and land make of the nation of Tanzania.
Or The coat of arm is the official stamp of the government.
Components of the coat of arm
These are things made up Tanzania national emblem or coat of arm. Tanzania coat of arm made by twelve components these are:-
1) Two human figures:- man and woman represent people of Tanzania. The two figure symbolize cooperation between men and women in bringing development
2) National flag:- the flag represent the symbol of national freedom.
3) Uhuru torch:- the torch represents national freedom and prosperity.
4) Crossed axe and hoe:- these represent the tools which Tanzania used to develop their country.
5) Elephant tusks:-:-represent a symbol for national resources (animal and plant/wildlife)
6) Shield and spear: represent a traditional weapons of defense.
7) Sea waves:- represent parts of water bodies such as ocean, river and lake of Tanzania.
8) Cloves and cotton:- stands for cash crops produced in Tanzania.
9) The words UHURU NA UMOJA:- this means freedom and unity. It is the national moto of the United Republic of Tanzania.
10) Peak of mount Kilimanjaro:- this represent a source of pride for Tanzania.
11) Golden band on the upper part of the shield:- represent the mineral wealth of the country.
12) Read band on the shield:- represent fertile red soil in Tanzania.
Importance of coat of arm/national emblem
a) National symbol for Tanzania as state.
b) It symbolizes state political and economic bases.
c) It symbolizes our national culture and history.
d) A seal of president and government.
e) A symbol of state sovereignty, freedom and unity of the people.
4. THE UHURU TORCH
This is commonly known as the indepenence torch. Introduced for the first time by president of Tanzania mwalimu julius kambarage nyerere to symbolize freedom, unity, love, dignity, solidarity and hope.
It was first lit top of mount kilimanjaro at mid night on 9th December 1961.
This was the day when Tanganyika got independence from Britain. Every year there is the uhuru torch races. The race starts and end at different important point in the country. The torch causes positive social political and economic message.
Significance or importance of the uhuru tourch
a) It symbolizes freedom and light.
b) It promotes unity in the country.
c) It promotes development through projects initiated during race e.g. school and health centers.
d) Promotes peace, dignity, respect and hope among Tanzanians.
5.NATIONAL CONSTITUTION
A constitution is the system of laws and basic principles by which the national is governed.
Our country is ruled according to the constitution written in 1977 since then it has amendments to suit the contemporary changes.
Importance/significance of national constitution
a) It is the basic law from which other laws are created.
b) It describes forms and content of state organs.
c) It describes clearly the relationship between citizens and state leaders.
d) It promotes human rights.
e) It shows how leaders are obtained.
6. NATIONAL CURRENCY.
Currency is the system of money that a country uses. The Tanzania national currency is shilling. The value of shilling always appears as coin/notes. Currency is also called money. Money is used for measuring value, trading and paying for goods and services in a country. It is also use a means of settling debts.
Importance/significance of national currency
a) It is used in buying and selling (trade transaction).
b) It is used to measure value.
c) It is identity of nationality and freedom.
d) It is a mean of setting debts.
7. THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE
This the language spoken by all people in the nation. The national language of Tanzania is kiswahili.
Importance of national language
a) It is an identity of the Tanzanians.
b) It is symbol of national unity.
c) It is used for transmission of knowledge and skills.
8. NATIONAL FESTIVAL DAYS IN TANZANIA
National festivals are days when we celebrate importance national events where most offices and business are normally closed on such day. During these days people remember important historical events which have taken place in the development of the national.
NATIONAL DAYS
Are often categorized into two groups which are:-
a) Civic national festival and holiday.
b) Religion national festival.
(A) CIVIC– POLITICAL NATIONAL FESTIVAL AND HOLI- DAY
These are special days marked by remembering civic-political events that have importance meaningful in the society. The civic-political public holidays includes;-
i) The independence day which falls on 9th December each year. This is used to mark and celebrate the independence of Tanganyika which was occurred in 9th. December 1961.
ii) The union day which falls on the 26th. April each year. Tanzania celebrates the union between Zanzibar and Tanganyika which was occurred n 26th. April 1964.
iii) Zanzibar Revolution Day which fall on the 12th. January each year. Zanzibar and Tanzania citizens in general remember the revolution of Zanzibar which occurred in 12th. January 1964.
iv) The Nane Nane Day which fall on 8th. August each year to celebrate the peasants` day. This is used to promote agriculture development in the country.
v) The Mei Mosi Day/ workers Day which fall on 1st May each year to celebrate workers day worldwide.
vi) Sabasaba Day which fall on 7th. July each year. It is celebrated as a day of trade fair.
vii) Nyerere Day which fall on14th October each year to remember the death and contribution of the first president of Tanzania J.K Nyerere who dead on 14th. October 1999.
viii) Karume Day which fall on 7th. April each year to remember the death of the first presedent of Zanzibar, Abeid Amani Karume who was assassinated on 7th. April 1972.
ix) New Year Day which fall on 1st. January each year. People celebrate for seeing the new year.
NB; Heroes Day which fall on 1st. September each year to rember the heroes defended or died while defending Tanzania. This was began to observe from 1969.
(B) RELIGIOUS NATIONAL HOLIDAY/FESTIVAL
These are days marked by special religious events or festivals according to belief and faith of a particular group of people. The religious public holidays includes:-
i) Christmas Day which fall on 25th. December each year to remember the birth of Jesus Christ by Christians.
ii) Boxing Day which fall on 26th. December each year. This a day for opening gift after chrismas.
iii) Good Friday, Easter and Easter Monday. This depends on the Christians calendar which is celebrated after the cruciaficaton of Jesus Christ.
iv) Idd El Fitri which is celebrated after the month of Ramadhani and Idd El Haj depending on the sighting of the moon. ( both do not have specific date).
v) Mauled Day. This is celebrates the birth of prophet Mohamed . It depends to the Islamic calendar.
NB. Universal Public Days. These are special days for the rest and celebration to all people of the world. It can be obtained either in civic or religious, but the famous universal holidays are;-
a) New year.
b) Workers day/ Mei Mosi Day( in Tanzania).
General significance/importance/merits/advantage of national festivals and public holiday
Some of them are;-
a) They keep the history of our country alive.
b) Leaders pass importance information to the public in these days.
c) Promote the opportunity for the citizens to meet and share ideas.
d) It promotes unity for Tanzanians.
e) Provide the opportunity to identify problems in the society through speech.
The general importance/significance/advantage of national symbols
Some of them are;-
a) They help to promote unity to the people.
b) They help to provide identity of the Tanzanians.
c) They promote recognition of our nation internally and externally.
d) They give historical information to the new generation.
e) They help to promote peace and understanding in the nation.
2.0 PROMOTION OF LIFE SKILL
Concept of life skill.
A skill
Is the ability that a person has to do something well
Life skill
It can be defined as the ability that a person has to live well in the society. Or life skill is refers to the ways in which an individual applies mental ability to control or deal with environment includes ability to understand oneself, build sound relationship with other, solve problems and survive under difficult condition.
Some of life skill include ability to ;-
i) Understand one self
ii) Build sound relationship with others.
iii) Solve problems
iv) Act responsible and safe.
v) Living under difficult circumstances
categorizes/types of life skills
The followings are three major categories or types of life skill these are;-
1) Individual/personal life skill or skills of knowing and living with oneself.
2) Social/ interpersonal life skill or skill of knowing and living with others.
3) Effective decision life skill.
1).INDIVIDUAL /PERSONAL LIFE SKILLS OR COPING AND SELF-MANAGEMENT SKILL OR SKILL OF KNOWING AND LIVING WITH ONESELF.
These are skills helps an individual to understand themselves in various ways. People are able to understand their strength and weakness, how they think and feel, and how they express their thoughts and feelings.
Or
These are skills that enable individuals to know who they are and what they are capable of doing.
Personal or individual skills includes the followings aspects;-
a) Self-awareness;-this is the ability of an individual to know himself or herself, his feelings, emotion strong and weakness, and his or her position. For example one can ask who am I , what I do like and what is my position in the society? Or self-awareness is the knowledge of oneself in terms of what one can do and what one cannot do.
b) Coping with stress;-Stress is the mental, physical tension or pressure which caused by events such as examination, death, devoice etc. thus coping with stress means that ability to avoid mental, physical tension or pressure. This skill helps a person to cope with stress.
c) Assertiveness;– is the ability of a person to know what he or she want and why, and able to take necessary step to achieve it. An assertive person is able to explain his or her opinion.
d) Self-esteem;– this refer to how an individual feels good in oneself and confident about such personal appearance, ability and behavior. Or self-esteem is what the individual feel about his/her personal attribute {physical and psychological). If the individual has positive feeling about his personal attribute we say he has high self-esteem while whose have negative feeling about their attribute they are likely to have low self-esteem.
e) Coping with emotion;– Emotion is strong feeling such as fear, love, anger, shyness, and disgust. There for coping with emotion is the ability to control strong feelings such as fear, love, anger, shyness, disgust .and desire to be accepted. In order to cope with the emotion one has to do the followings;-
i) accepting the reality.
ii) finding different alternatives to solve the problems.
iii) seek advice where necessary.
2). Social life skill (communication and inter-personal life skill/skills of knowing and living with others)
this is the ability to understand and live in peace and harmony with others. It gives individual knowledge an ability to live according to the standard of the society. Or social skill/interpersonal skill is skill that enable individual to interact with other people effectively and meaningfully.
Some aspects of social or interpersonal life skills are;-
i) Forming health relationship;– this refers to the ways person interact and behave positively toward each other. Relationship can be between children, neighbors, peers students, teacher and parents. Heath relationship enable one to know how to behave properly in each relationship
ii). Forming friendship;– this is ability of an individual to make friends with people who he or she can share activities, ideas, joy and sadness.
iii). Peer resistance;- this is ability of an individual to be against from wrong influence or accept good influence bring by his or her friends. This skill helps an individual to take control of life by resistance negative influence.
iv). Empathy;– This is ability to understand other people feeling and to feel concern about their problems. Or empathy is the ability to put yourself in the shoes of others and feeling with them as they face various challenges and problems in life. This enable us to share problem with friends.
v). Negotiation;-This is ability to agree on issue without undermining or going against one`s principles. This skill helps when disagreement occurred. Or negotiation is the ability to discuss issues in a calm and open way so as to reach consensus or agreement.
vi). Effective communication;– This is ability of a person to communicate with people according to their mood, age and background. Or effective communication is the skill of exchanging feelings, opinions, ideas, words and actions between people. It includes speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. This skill helps to maintain good relationship with others.
QN.
Elaborate six interpersonal skills which will enable you to cope with life after completion of secondary school. (necta. 2014)
3). Effective decision making skills;–
These are skills which enable a person to make good decision. It includes the following aspects;-
i). Critical thinking;- this is ability of a person to develop a deep understanding of something. Or critical thinking is the ability to analyse and evaluate ideas in an objective manner. This implies weighing options and making rational choice. This skill helps a person to understand the environment in which he or she live.
ii). Creative thinking;– This is ability to think deeply and come up with new ideas and new way of doing things. This skill helps an individual to come up with solution that other people had not thought of.
iii). Decision making;– This is ability to make the best choice out of many available options. The choice made after considering its results and it is better to think a consequences before making decision.
iv). Problem solving skill;– this is involves making choice and act on it. This skill is necessary in life because helps an individual to make decision and implement then in whatever situation they find good.
importance of life skill
Life skill is the mental ability which enable a person to have self control. It includes skill like negotiation skill, self awareness skill, decision making skill and other skills. The following are the importance of life skills;
a) Life skill helps the youth to make proper decision in life on different matters that concerns their life.
b). Life skill used to empower the youth generation to promote good behavior by avoiding bad friends and bad behaviors such as drugs abuse, alcoholism and getting into premature pregnant.
c). Life skills help to increase love and how to help others problem in the society. It helps the youth to generate empathic altitude in their heart that makes them to help each other during time of happiness and sad.
d). Life skill helps the youth to respond effectively to different situations in forms of building infortunes such as divorce, death of relatives or friends, examination, harassment and intimidation.
e). Life skill helps to restore peace and harmony to the people who have been affected with problems such as fire, war, etc.
f). Life skill helps to understand environment and the ways to fit it. Through life skill a person can know where he or she is and how to life at that place
QN.
Examine the importance of life skills to the youth in Tanzania by giving six points.(necta2015
How to use social skills
social skills give person knowledge to live with others peacefully in the society, so we can use social skills in;-
a) Forming relationship with other people. This means that an individuals can share joy, and sadness in each relation.
b) making good friends. Good friendships are those respects and assist each others
c) Showing empathy;- this is ability to feel concern with other problems, so a one who have social skills must cooperate with others in different problems.
d) Exhibiting peer resistance;- this is ability to accept good influence and negligate bad influence, so one must act on it.
e) Displaying effective communication;- proper communication canbe used to establish good relation with other people for the fact that each one will helps one another.
f) Applying negotiation skills;- by developing situation of agreeing things without undermining each other will helps to agree on inconvenience.
sources of life skills
We can get life skills from different sources or origin, some of them are;-
a) Family;- in the family we learn how to respect others, how to perform activities like cooking and to observe table manner.
b) neighbors;- from our neighbor we learn cooperation, respect and to feel concern to others problems.
c) friends;- friends enable us to acquire different live skill, where the skills like helping others, respects and to be honest.
d) school;- good education we get from school enables us to develop skills, we get skills like how to respect others, to do activities like watering flowers, cultivation etc.
e) religion; from religion teaching we learn commandments of GOD in which there are many wisdom we acquire.
CONSEQUENCES OR EFFECT OR DISADVANTAGE OR DEMERIT OF NOT APPLYING LIFE SKILL
The following are the negative consequences of not applying life skills in our society;-
a) Improper choice;- because of lacking knowledge of life skill one may fail to choose the best option among the avail options.
b) Bad behavior;-people may develop bad behavior because of lacking life skills, for example youth may not respect their parents, teachers and elders.
c) Conflict can occur;- due to lack of negotiation the conflict can occur among students, families and societies.
d) Lack of emphatic leader who will fail to suffer for others problems and then can accelerate corruption in the societies.
e) Poor leadership can ease occurred because of lacking the way to communicate with the majority.
f) Poverty can be occurred due to the fact that people will not effectively cooperate in solving problems or in dealing with productive activities like planning for cultivation and so on.
3.0 HUMAN RIGHTS
What is human right?
Human right is the accepted principle of fairness and justice that all people deserve. Or human right is a claim in which individual or group of people must be given against state. Or human rights are basic things that all human being are entitled and nobody should interfere with. Some of human rights are:-
i) Right to life.
ii) Right to equality.
iii) Freedom of expression.
iv) Right to work.
Origin and history of human rights
The origin of human right in the world came as the way of limiting the powers of the state from interfering with the rights of individuals. This can be trace back to magna carta 13th.century, English bills of rights in 17th.century, French revolution of 1789, the role of different ancient philosophers, universal declaration of human rights of 1948 and covenants of human rights of 1966 etc. as follows
1) The work of various philosophers and writers; these play a big role on the genesis and development of human rights through their writings and their says some of them talking about private and general will others talking about respecting human dignity etc. for example
a) John Locke advocate about the right to private property which operate in a certain limit and no one should interfere another individual the similar right. In short he emphasize the respect of other right..this marked as the one aspect of human right that is used today.
b) Jean Jacques Rousseau advocate about private will and general will that private will is prior to general will, therefore the state should respect all individual and group rights. This what done in many democratic countries.
c) Emmanuel Kant, emphasize on the respecting of the human dignity which nowadays applied by many country as adhering human right.
2). Magna carta of 1215 (13th) this was the contract between the English king John and the representative who were dissatisfied with the monarch governed. Terms of the contract were:
(i) freedom of expression before the court and not to be jailed before convicted with the crime.
(ii) freedom of the religions etc.
These marked as the genesis of human rights since other nation decided to include these rights in their constitutions.
3). The English bill of right of 1689 (17th); the parliament declared the prohibition of the excessive five to imposed and abolished of cruel and unusual punishment. These were to grantee human rights of not torture imposed by the government.
4). The American declaration of independence of 1776; it declared that all man created equal. This was risen the human rights in the world against humiliation done by whose in power and starting struggle for human rights.
5). The French Revolution of 1789; it declared three principles of the human rights which were marked as the genesis of human rights these principles are;-
(a) liberty;- this is the freedom to live as you which but not harm others rights.
(b) equality;- this is the state of being the sameness in different cases like giving rights.
(c) fraternity;- this means as the solidarity au unity cultivating being togetherness in doing fostering development.
6). The effect of the WWI and the Versailles peace treaty of a1919;– this treat played a big role to condemn mass kill during the war and decided to prose the establishment of league of nation that will prevent the occurrence of another war. This laid the foundation of the remembering and adhering human rights by knowing that people have right to life.
7).Universal declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948;– It declared that human right is universal and all human must enjoy every where in the world regardless their colour etc. this was the foundation of human rights in all of the world and most of the countries signed this declaration including Tanzania.
NB-Declaration is not legally binding BUT just a statements.
8). The international covenants of human rights of 1966;– this advocates two kinds of rights and its protocols that people must enjoy and most of the nation have ratified. These right are;-
(a) civil political rights.
(b) economic social and cultural rights.
NB;- the covenants and conventions are legally binding agreement since they have involving legal process.
General since 1966 most of the conventions have made on the human rights in the world. This is short history of human rights in the world.
ASPECTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS
These are parts composing the human rights. Generally there are two aspects of human rights, these are;-
(a) Legal rights.
(b) Moral rights
(a) Legal rights
There are rights which are named and defined in the constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania and in International covenants. Or these are fundamental rights which are recognized by the law. Example of such right are;-
(i) right to equality
(ii) right to life.
(iii) freedom of expression
(iv) right to work
(b) Moral rights
These are rights which are recognized by a society by way of conscience, that is, through reasoning and agreement by a society. Example religious matters and ethnic / cultural laws or rights.
ASPECTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND IN THE CONSTITUTION OF UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
1. UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS (UDHR)
This is an international document that states basic rights and fundamental freedom to which all human beings are entitled. It was adopted by general assembly of united nation on 10th December 1948.it declared that human rights are universal to be enjoyed by all people in spite of their colors, region or race. It has 30 articles on human rights.
Aspects of human rights in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
We can categorize the parts of human in the UDHR into three parts that is also known as generation of human rights. These parts are:-
(1) civil and political rights
These are rights in which an individual or citizen must enjoy. This is also known as first generation of human rights which is about liberty that is, the freedom to live as on wish. These are negative rights that no one can interfere with this right. These right are found from article three to twenty one in UDHR , these are;-
i) Right to live, liberty and security of a person.
ii) Freedom fom slavery.
iii) Freedom from torture.
iv) Equality before the law.
v) Freedom of movement.
vi) Freedom of thought.
vii) Freedom of assembly.
viii) Right to property.
ix) Right to be protected
x) Trial before the law.
(2) economic, social and cultural rights
These are under the second generation of human rights that is about equality. It is also known as positive rights which are allowing minimum intervention from the government. It is found from article 22 to 28 of UDHR. These rights are;-
i) Right ti social security.
ii) Right to work.
iii) Right to equal pay for equal work.
iv) Right to just remuneration.
v) Right to form and join trade union.
vi) Right to rest and leisure.
vii) Right to the standard of living.
viii) Right to education.
(3) environmental and developmental rights
These are rights that is also known as 3rd generation of human rights that is about fraternity. It advocate about solidarity. These rights are found from article 29 to 30, these rights are;-
i) Right to live in a clean and safe environment.
ii) Right to natural resources.
iii) Right to self-determination and peace.
(4) ASPECTS OF HUMAN RIGHT IN THE CONSTITUTION OF UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
Constitution is the body of law and basic principles by which a country is governed. The united republic of Tanzania was adopted in 1977 the parliament and in 1984 the bills of right was inserted in the constitution.
NB-The bills of rights are the proposed list of human rights like right to life, equality, expression and right to work.
Aspects of human right in the constitution of Tanzania
There are four aspects of human rights in the constitution of the united republic of Tanzania which are found form article 12 to 24. the aspects are;-
1) Right to equality. This is about the sameness in doing work. Is is found from article 12 to 16. there are two sub-parts, these are;-
(i) Equality of all human being. It emphasize that all people born equal and they required honorability.
(ii) Equality before the law. It is about to be treated fairly without discrimination before the law.
2) Right to life;– it is found in article 14 to 17, there are four sub-parts these are;-
(i) Right to live.
(ii) Right to personal freedom in living.
|(iii) Right to privacy and personal security.
(iv) Right to freedom of movement.
3) Freedom of expression;– this is found from article 18-21, where there are four sub-parts, these are:-
(i) Right to form opinion.
(ii) Right to freedom of religion.
(iii) Freedom of association. It includes right to form and join law fully association.
(iv) Freedom to participate in public affairs.
4) Right to work. This is found from article 22-24. It is about equal opportunity to work and hold any office. The following are sub-parts;-
(i) Right to own property.
(ii) Right to just remuneration.
IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN OUR SOCIETY
Human right is very important in our society because:-
a) Human right is a foundation of freedom, justice, peace and liberty.
b) It limits government powers and action against the people.
c) Human rights promote development in their society.
d) It helps people to aware their rights.
e) They help to promote good governance.
f) They help to promote respect for human dignity.
Relationship between human rights and the provision of basic needs
Basic needs are the things which are essential for survival. They include food, shelter and clothing. Human rights are relating to the provision of basic needs as follows:-
i) Social and economic rights give the opportunity to participate in social and economic activities like agriculture, business which then gives needs to the people.
ii) Civil and political rights give the chance for the provision of the security of individuals which is also need government to provide shelter etc,
iii) Environmental and developmental rights provide the opportunity for the sustainable use of the resources which later lead to the provision of basic needs.
ROLES OF GOVERNMENT IN THE PROMOTION OF HURIGHTS
The government promote human right through the following ways:-
a) The provision of better services such as health care, education, public security etc.
b) Provision of better support to civil societies, pressure groups, political parties, mass madea and religion groups.
c) Promotion of accountability and transparency in the government system.
d) The creation of state apparatus or agencies responsible for protecting human right. Eg. PCCB.
e) Establishment of law s and set punishment for those who abuse them.
ROLE OF PRESSURE GROUP IN THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHT
What is pressure group?
This is a group of people that is actively tries to influence public opinion and government actions. Pressure group can be local, national or inter-national. Examples of pressure group in Tanzania are:-
i. AFNET-Ant Female Genital Mutilation Network.
ii. LHRC(1995 )-Legal and Human Rights Centre.
iii. TAMWA(1987)-Tanzania Media Women`s Association.
iv. TAWLA(1989)-Tanzania Women Lawyers Association. It provides women with legal aids
v. TGNP-Tanzania Gender Network Programme (1993). It provides basic services and rights that women have been destructed for many years. Gender equality and equity.
vi. Amnesty International(1961) . It defends people whose human rights have been interfered adverse by governments or group of people.
Vii. Haki Elimu.(2001)
viii. Transparency International ( German based NGO).
ix. CEDAW (1979)-Convention for the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Woman. It condemns all forms of women discrimination. Equality to education, employment and health.
x. AMREF(1957)– African Medical and Research Foundation. This finance medical researches and activities in African countries.
xi. The Beijing Conference of 1995. focus on action for equality, development and peace between men and women
xii. MEWATA(1987)– Medical Women Association of Tanzania. It provides women with medical aid. Eg. Treatment of breast cancer.
Roles of pressure groups in the promotion of human rights in Tanzania
The followings are the roles of pressure groups in the promotion of human rights:-
a) To promote gender equality and women empowerment.
b) To fight against the laws that undermine people`s status.
c) To educate the public on how to use the environment and natural resources for suitable development.
d) To provide civic education to the public.
e) To reveal and report human rights abuse.
Importance of protection of human rights
Protection of human rights means ensuring that human rig hts are not abused human rights should be protected due to the following reason.
a) They help to regulate and control the power and actions of the government.
b) They are the foundation of justice, peace and freedom.
c) They promote democracy
d) They encourage people to participate in economic, social, political and cultural activities.
e) They bring social equality and discourage any form of discrimination.
LIMITATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
This is a process of restricting the exercise of some rights under certain circumstances, in the interest of upholding public morality, public order or general welfare of a democratic society to avoid absolutism.
The purpose or importance of restricting individual human right.
The purpose of limiting the human rights are follows:-
1. To avoid absolute rule in the society.
2. To ensure equality and equity in the distribution of social services in the society.
3. To reduce crimes in the society.
4. To promote democracy and liberty in the society.
HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE
What is human right abuse?
This is unlawful prevention of a person enjoyment of his or her rights as outlined in the constitution.
Examples of human right abuse
I) Female genital mutilation (women circumcision) F.G.M.
ii) Raping of women and children.
iii) Killing of people due to bad tradition .
iv) Women beating from husband.
v) Child labour.
vi) Forced marriage.
vii) Prohibiting women from inheritance.
viii) Corruption.
ix) Invasion of weak countries by bigger countries.
Factors which cause human rights abuse
a) Negligence of the actions.
b) Ignorance of the society concerned.
c) Selfishness of some individuals who consider only their interests.
Ways different groups abuse human rights
1) parents can abuse the rights of their children by:
a) Denying them education.
b) Not providing basic needs such as food and clothes.
c) Forcing their children to marry against their wishes specially at tender age.
d) Giving their children severe punishment.
2) society can abuse individual rights by:
a) Beating up and killing suspected criminals without giving them a fair trail in a court of law.
b) Abandoning Stigmatizing disabled and people living with HIV and AIDS.
3) Government can abuse human right by:-
a) Making oppressive laws that limits the individual rights.
b) Discriminating against some citizen due to their colour, gender, religion, or ethnic origin.
c) Not maintain the rules of law.
Effects of human right abuse
1) Conflict among the family members, community, citizen and government. This leads to unrest ,instability in the society and difficult for the government to enforce law and order.
2) Increased crimes and poverty in the society.
3) Oppression of less fortunate members in the society. Example workers may be underpaid or the poor people be denied justice in the court of l aw.
4) Citizen are unable to obtain their basic needs when the right to work is abused.
5) Citizen are un able to perform their duties and responsibilities in peace.
Ways to combat or to remove abuse of human rights
1. The government has to maintain the rule of law. This will help to avoid conflict in the society because society will get their basic needs as needed by law.
2. The government should educate its citizen about their basic rights; so that they can claim th en when denied.
3. The society has to respect all people including the sick and disadvan taged.
4. The court of law should enforce the law in a just manner and punish those who abuse others rights.
5. There should be the of controlling the activities of the government.
6. The government has to be transparent in its operations.
Differences between limitations and abuse of human rights
Some of their differences are:-
1. Limitation of human right is done when there is a need while abuse of human right is done unnecessarily.
2. Limitation of human right is aiming at protecting the right of others while the abuse of human right is used for selfish reasons.
3. Limitation of human right is protecting the right of disadvantaged while the abuse of human right does not protect right of individual.
4. Limitation is aiming at making people free from fear of discrimination WHILE Abuse aimed at making the citizen fearful of their rulers.
5. Intend to allow state organs to conduct lawful acts WHILE abuse intended to make people ignorant of their rights.
4:0 RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP
What is a citizen?
Citizen is a person who belongs to the particular country. A citizen has the full right as the member of that country. Also is expected to be patriotic to his or her country.
What is citizenship?
Citizenship is a condition of being a citizen of a certain country with the right and duties go with such status. Or
Citizenship is the legal right of a person to belong to the particular country.
Types of citizenship
There are three types of citizenship that will be discussed, these are:-
1. Citizenship by birth.
2. Citizenship by descent or kinship.
3. Citizenship by registration or naturalization.
1. Citizenship by birth.
This is the type of citizenship by being born, thus both parents of a child are members of the same country. For example Juma is a citizen of Tanzania by born; this means his parents are Tanzanians by birth.
2. Citizenship by descent or kinship.
This is applied to a child who is born in a country and one of his/her parent is a citizen of that country. For example a father of john is an Indian and his mother is a Tanzanian and john is born in Tanzania , therefore john is a Tanzanian.
3. Citizenship by registration or naturalization.
This is involving making application to the minister responsible for citizenship . Citizenship by registration is granted directly in Tanzania to any applicant from commonwealth countries and female who is married in Tanzania no matter she is from commonwealth or non-commonwealth. Example India, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Citizenship by naturalization is granted in Tanzania to any applicant from non-commonwealth countries. Example Mozambique, Angola, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and DRC.
Condition for granting a citizenship by application
A. must live in a country legally for not less than five years continuously.
B. Must know to speak English or Kiswahili fluently.
C. Must be well behaved.
D. Make promise to be a good citizen.
5. Dual citizenship
This is the status of being a member of two countries. Example being a citizen by birth in one country and either citizenship by decent in another country.
IMPORTANCE OF CITIZENSHIP
The importance of citizenship are as follows:-
1. It enable a person to exercise his or her legal right in the country.
2. It allows a person to participate in civic activities such as voting.
3. It enable a person to get service which are granted to citizen only.
4. A citizen has the right to participate in political and economic activities of the country.
RESPONSIBILITIES /ROLE OF THE CITIZENS
What is responsibilities of the citizens?
These are things a person has to do as a rule. A citizen has to do certain things in the country in which he or she is a citizen. There are personal, political, social and economic responsibilities as follows:-
(1) personal responsibilities
These are follows:-
a) Takes care of himself or herself.
b) Behaves in a civil or respectful manner.
c) Consider the right and interest of others.
d) Accepts responsibilities for his or her action.
e) Supports the family.
(2) political duties or responsibilities
These are follows:-
a) Participating in a country civic affairs such as attending political meeting.
b) Take part in election.
c) Take part in buld and consolidating democracy.
d) Help to develop public policy.
e) Acquire and use information in order to make good decision.
(3) Social responsibilities
These are follows:-
a) Protect his or her country from its enemies.
b) Promoting fairness, equality and social justice.
c) Respect the right of fellow citizen.
d) Obeying the law of the country in order to dive every one to live in peace and harmony.
(4) economic responsibilities
These a re follows:-
a) Pay taxes and other statutory payment to government.
b) Do lawful productive work.
c) Participate in community development activities like building schools.
Advantage of fulfill civic responsibilities
Some of them are as follows:-
1. Reduce the rate of crimes.
2. Create peace, harmony and love during political, social and economic activities.
3. Right of the people are respected.
4. It enhances good living standard.
5. It promotes development in a country
Responsibilities of citizens to special group
What is special group?
These are people with unusual problems that need special care or treatment in the society
Or
These are all people who face or experience difficult in their environment like physically, politically, biologically and environmental difficulties.
Examples of special groups
In our society ( Tanzania) special groups includes:-
1. Women.
2. The elderly.
3. The disabled.
4. Refugees.
5. Orphans.
6. Street children.
7. HIV-AIDS victims.
1. THE WOMEN.
This is a special group because of the followings:-
a) They are not given equal opportunities in decision making in their families or at high level.
b) In some community they are not giving leadership position.
c) They are victims of forced marriage.
d) They are being rapid.
e) They are not allowed to own properties in some societies.
f) They are experienced beating from their husbands.
The special needs of women are:-
a) Fair opportunity to leadership and employment.
b) Equal opportunity in ownership of properties and decision making.
c) Free from torture, violence and inhuman treatment like beating.
d) Free from forced and early marriage.
e) Giving right to education as man.
f) Improved medical treatment and health care.
2. THE DISABLED
This group includes people with mental disabilities, hearing and speech difficulties, the blind and physical disturbance.
The special needs of disabled
a) To be helped in performing different task in respects of their disabilities.
b) Medical treatment and health care.
c) Love, protection and kindness.
d) Basic needs like food, clothes and shelter.
3. THE REFUGEES.
These are people who flee their country to go to settle in foreign countries because of insecurity in their home countries.
Reasons for the refugees to migrate from their countries
Some of them are follows:-
i) Political conflicts.
ii) Civil wars.
iii) Social conflict.
iv) Drought or famine.
v) Religious conflict.
vi) Economic problems.
Refugees are special group because:-
a) They are homeless.
b) They are hungry people.
c) They are prone to effect of diseases such as malaria.
d) They are frustrated and confused due to calamities of wars or natural disasters,
The special needs of refugees are follows:-
a) Education.
b) Basic needs such as food, clothes and shelter.
c) Medical treatment and health care.
d) Love, protection and kindness.
e) Counseling.
4. THE ELDERLY
These are old or aged people. This is called special group because of the following:-
a) They are less energetic and may not be able to work as young people.
b) They face disabilities such as poor eyesight and poor muscle contrast because of old age.
c) They are prone to lack basic needs like food
d) They are easy to suffer from diseases.
The special needs of elders
Some of them are follows:-
a) To be helped in performing different task like fetching water etc.
b) Medical treatment and health care.
c) Love, protection and kindness.
d) Basic needs like food, clothes and shelter
5. STREET CHILDREN.
This is group of people who stay on the streets as they have no place to live.
Reasons or factors lead to street children
Some of them are:-
a) Poverty.
b) Abuse by parents or guardian.
c) Death of parents or family break up.
This is special group because:-
i) They are homeless, living in streets.
ii) They are hungry; not getting enough and good food.
iii) They are ignorant because of lacking education.
iv) They are poorly health and most of them die.
The needs of street children
Some of them are follows:-
a) Education
b) Basic needs like food, clothes and shelter.
c) Love, protection and kindness.
d) Medical treatment and heath care
e) Counseling.
6. HIV-AIDS victims
These are people who are infected with Human Immuno-deficiency Virus. (HIV). The virus attack the white blood cell that protect the human body from infection and disease. This is special group because of the following:-
a) Facing with frequent diseases
b) Disappointed and confused about life.
c) The are stigmatized by the people in some society.
The special needs to HIV and AIDS victims.
a) Counseling.
b) Medical treatment and health care.
c) Love, protection and kindness.
d) Food, clothes and shelter.
7. CHILDREN
These are aged from 0-18 years. This group is special need because of the followings:-
a) They lack proper opportunity to be heard and have no right to voice.
b) They are ignorant because of lacking education.
c) They lacked love, kindness and protection.
d) They are subjected to hard work.
e) They suffer from different diseases such as malaria, malnutrition etc.
f) They are subject to child labor. Like house boys and girls.
The special needs of children
Some of them are;-
a) Education.
b) Basic needs such as food, clothes and shelter.
c) Love, protection and kindness.
d) Counseling
e) Medical treatment and health care
8. ORPHANS
These are children’s whom parents have died, or children who lost their parents. They are special need because of the followings:-
a) They are frustrated and confused.
b) They lack basic needs such as food, shelter and clothes.
c) The lacked health care.
d) They lacked education.
The needs of orphans
Some of the needs are:-
a) Education.
b) Basic needs like food, clothes and shelter.
c) Love protection and kindness.
d) Counseling.
Responsibilities toward special group.
The followings are the some of the responsibilities to the special groups:-
1. Assisting them by providing material and financial help.
2. Interacting with them at home and community meeting by allowing to express their opinion and feelings.
3. Showing them respect and understanding.
4. Providing education to all dependent on their special needs.
5. Supporting them physically, for example when they are crossing the roads.
6. Providing counseling and socialization
5.0 WORK
5.1 Concepts of work
Specific objectives
By the end of this sub-topic each student should be able to:-
a) Define work and work related activities.
b) Explain importance of work for self development.
c) Relate work to the development of the nation.
What is work?
Work is any lawful activities that a person does to earn living. People work to produce goods and services. People must participate in the activities that will improve their living standard as well as develop their nation.
Work related activities
The following are some of the activities done by different people in the society and type of goods produce.
1. Farming producing maize, beans etc.
2. Pastoralism producing milks, milk.
3. Mining producing mineral
Types of work
There are two types of work, these are physical and mental. People in the society engage in the activities according to their abilities and knowledge.
1. Physical work
These are activities need more physical capacity or energy than effort. Example are livestock keeping, fishing , mining.
2. Mental or office work.
These activities need more mental capacity than physical efforts. Example teaching, nursing.
Importance of work for self development
The following are the some of importance of work:-
1. We get basic needs from working. We get food, clothes and shelter.
2. Work act as an identity in the society. The identify judges, carpenters, engineers.
3. Work keeps people busy. They have no time to engage in crimes.
4. Work improves the economic position of a family and a nation.
5. Work brings respects, dignity and self-worth.
6. Work makes people innovative. People develop new skills and learn new things as a result of working.
7. Doing work makes you feel good knowing you can do something well and earn money.
Relationship between work and national development
Development is the growth from one stage to another, mostry from lower to higher stage or better stage. Development implies to an improvement of quality of life of all people.
National development is the improvement in the life of the people in the country. When people work hard, increase the country production which make the economy grow.
CONTRIBUTION OF WORK TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Work is relates to the development because contribute national development as follows:-
1. It provides employment to the people.
2. It increases the national income. This is because work enable people to pay taxes to the government.
3. It raised the living standard of the people. This is because work enable the government to provide social services such as health care, education and security.
4. Makes the country stable politically, socially and economically.
5. It reduces dependence.
6.0 FAMILY LIFE.
A family is a group of people who are related by blood, marriage or adoption.
6:1 courtship and marriage
Specific objectives
By the end of this sub-topic student should be able to:-
a) Explain the meaning and importance of courtship.
b) Explain the meaning ,types and purpose of marriage.
c) Identify customs and beliefs t hat encourage early marriage.
d) Explain the foundation of stable marriage,
e) Relationship between courtship and marriage.
Meaning and importance of courtship
Courtship is a period during which two people get to know one another before they get married. It is appropriate for preparation of wedding.
Qualities influence good courtship
Some of them are:-
a) The courting couple must be of opposite sex.
b) Abstinence should dominate the relation. No sexual before marriage.
c) T he relation should not be questionable.
d) The courting couple must be having common interest. e.g. religion background and common Hobbes.
e) The age of couple should not less than 20 years and age difference should not be too big. E.g. over 10years.
Factors influence people to start or propose courtship
Some of the factors are follows:-
a) Intention to marry; such intention not come accidentally, it need time to think and feel from the heart.
b) Love.:- the purpose of marriage should be really love when the couple get slowly know each other.
c) Readiness:- the partners should be prepared to get marriage academically, socially and economically.
d) Maturity:-the partners should be physically and biologically mature to assume adult responsibilities.
Courtship in modern days lead engagement. Engagement is a public commitment between two people that are about to get married.Or engagement refers to the agreement to marry some one. It is the event that justifies courtship. It a time a man gives a women an engagement ring which is done in church, at home etc. with consent of parents. The engagement is not officiated sex.
Importance of courtship
The following are the importance of courtship:-
1. It builds friendship or love to each other.
2. Enable partners know each other.
3. Build respect and cooperation.
4. Build morality and modeling.
5. Train the partner on how to relate with each other.
6. Provide harmony and sense of being successful.
What is marriage?
Marriage is the union of man and woman as husband and wife.it is a formal and legal union between a man and women, accompanied a wedding ceremony.
Types of marriage.
There are three types of marriage in Tanzania classified according to the legal status, these are:-
1. Customary marriages;–
These are established and sanctioned according to the tradition and customs of the particular society.
Types of customary marriage
There are three types of customary marriage, these are:-
a) Levirate marriages;
This is a type of marriage occurs when a man inherits the wife of his deceased brother or father. This is popular known as wife inherence. The disadvantage of this marriage is that:-
i/. women do not have freedom of choice,
ii/. undermine the status of women.
Iii/. lead to sexual transmitted disease.
b) Sororate marriage
This is type of marriage occurs when the widower (a man whose wife dead) marries his sister in law. The reason is to have a blood relative rather than a step mother to look the children of deceased sister. This type of marriage is not common.
c) Marriage that is not related to either inheritance or death of a spouse.
2. Civil marriage
These are established and sanctioned according to the marriage Act of 1971. these marriages are officiated by a duly empowered official usually district commissioner.
3. Religious marriages
These are marriage established according to the practices of a particular religion especially Christian or Islam. Christian marriage is officiated by religious leaders like bishop, priest or pastor in a church and it allow only one man and woman.
An Islamic marriage is officiated by religious leaders sheikh and the function is performed at the bride’s parent’s home, it allow up to four wives but wives should treated equally and full financial and morally should be offered.
NB: (a) there is classification of marriage according to the number of wives to one husband or husbands to one wife.
These types are:-
i) monogamy. This is the type of marriage where by there is one man to one wife. This common to Christianity communities.
ii) polygamy. This is type of marriage where by there is many wifes to one husband. This is common to Islamic communities.
iii) bigamy. This is a situation of marrying somebody while you are still legally married to someone else. It is considered as a crime.
iv) polyandry. This is a situation of one woman marry to many husbands. This common practiced in India.
Nb. Cohabitation refers to a situation where by a woman and a man living together as husband and wife but not legally married.
(b) classification of marriage according to age.
There are two types, these are
1. Early marriage
2. Mature marriage
1. EARLY MARRIAGE
This is the marriage which take place before the couple or one of them has reached the maturity age, that is under 18years.
Customs and beliefs that encourage early marriage
Customs are habits that are passed from one generation to another. They includes obedience, punctuality and greetings.
Beliefs are things that are thought to be true by certain community. Different society have their customs and beliefs about marriage.
The following are some customs and beliefs that encourage early marriage:-
1) Payment of bride price; bride price is a gift receives the parent of a girl in terms of money, livestock or land. this convince parents to be greedy hence force their children to marry in immature age.
2) Gender discrimination in education: some parents have a negative altitude of sending to school only boys and not girls, this force the girls to drop out of school in favor of the boy`s.
3) Traditional initiations; traditional practices like “unyago” taught girls how to take care of a marriage at early age, this makes them to know that they are grown up hence married to immature age.
4) Inheritance; this practice made the boys to marry early because in some society unmarried boy is not allowed to inherit property. Also the tendancy of inheriting wife lead to early marriage in case where the wife of brother to be taken by young brother who have not reached 18 years.
5) The belief that get married early lead to the living the descent life. Some society believe that if a young will late to get married will involved into prostitution.
6) The belief of marrying the young daughter to the friend families. In some society parents marries their daughter to the friend families by believing that it will consolidate friendship among them. Where by this action leads to early marriage.
Problems associated with early marriage
Some of the are:-
1. Complication during delivery. this because reproductive organ of the young girl is not mature for bearing the baby this lead to destruction. of the girl body.
2. Increase of poverty. This is because the couple have not meas of getting income which become difficult for caring their children.
3. Spread of HIV/AIDS. This is due to the fact that the young are not able to make good decision on the marital issues like going check up for HIV/AIDS in turn lead to acquire disease like AIDS.
4. Break down of families. This due to lacking the experience of rearing the children and lack of tolerance to family problem which lead to separation to separation of the family.
5. preventing young girl from continuing with school. This is because of forcing the young girls to be married off early.
6. It accelerates unplanned pregnancy. This is due to the fact that the girls are not well educated about family planning therefore a couple will have a big number of families.
Prevention of early marriage/ possible solution to early marriage.
Some of the solution are as follows:-
1. Provision of the education about the danger of early marriage. The society must taught that the early marriage leads to complication during delivery and drop up from the school for the young girls.
2. Basic social cultural practices that lead to early marriage must abandoned. These are like female circumcision and other initial ceremonies must prohibited.
3. Government should enact the laws that prevent forced marriage and early marriage.
4. Poverty alleviation must be done; this because some parents forced their children to get married for the desire of money (bride price)
2. MATURE MARRIAGE
This is the legal union that involves couple who are above 18 years. Their advantage is that cannot lead to the complication during labour, couples have education about family planning and also it avoid family conflict.
Foundations of a Stable Marriage
A stable marriage exists if there is an agreement of marriage and a shared goal to be achieved between the couple. Love, respect and co-operation between couples and good relationships with people outside their marriage are very important.
Components/pillars of a stable marriage.
1. Economic well-being as a result of hard-work and trust between couples is a vital component for a stable marriage.
2. Responsibility and accountability – whereby both the husband and wife are responsible for their duties in the marriage can be considered as foundations of a stable marriage.
3. Transparency;- marriage partner should be open with each other, it is wrong to keep secrets which will damage the marriage.
4. Tolerance and understanding;- the married partner tolerate the weakness of the each other and it must known that its is not always possible for one to fully agree with the action of other person.
Importance of marriage
Some of them are:-
1. Regulates sexual behavior.
2. Help to maintain social status, norms, customs and tradition of the society
3. Promote the sense of unity in solving problems.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE
The following are the relationship between marriage and courtship
1. Courtship help to build strong foundation for a stable marriage, where as marriage helps to accomplish what is planned by partner during courtship.
2. Courtship is the transition from living single to a married life.
3. Marriage approve the social relation that was existed in the courtship.
4. Both involves two people of opposite sex proposing to love each other.
FAMILY
The Concept of Family
Define family
A family is a social group of people who are closely related to each other. It consists of a father, a mother and children. Sometimes, a family may include relatives who are not blood related. A family is entitled to protection by society and the state because it is the foundation on which a society is built.
Types of Families
There are several types of families in our societies but the most dominant ones are the following three, namely nuclear, extended and single-parent families.
A. The nuclear family
This is made up of a wife, a husband and one or more children. This type of family is very common in Europe
Advantages of the nuclear family
It is advantageous to have a nuclear family because:
1. it requires fewer resources to sustain itself as it constitutes fewer members which in turn reduces their total cost of living.
2. Also, the family is manageable and controllable due to its small size and usually is economically stable.
3. It is easy to enforce changes (decisions) and arrive at a conclusion.
4. There is also a clear distribution of authority within the family because it consists of two parents as heads of the family.
Disadvantages of a nuclear family
Having a nuclear family is disadvantageous because:
1. it may develop a spirit of selfishness and discrimination as it is confined to few people.
2. Individualism may also result in these families.
3. It is difficult for children to learn from other people. As a result, they can easily be influenced by their parents’ behaviour and attitude.
B. Extended family
This is a family which consists of a wife, husband, children and other relatives such as cousins, grandparents, uncles and aunties. This is very common in Africa.
Advantages of the extended family
Having an extended family is advantageous because:
1. it promotes unity and solidarity among relatives.
2. They also make it easy to perform difficult or complex projects which need many people, like large-scale farming or pastoralism.
3. There is also an easy distribution of tasks as there are many people to carry them out.
4. Extended families involve more opinions from different members of the family when it comes to decision-making. Therefore, it is a symbol of love and fraternity to people of a common culture, race, history and even clan who live together in one home.
Disadvantages of the extended family
Extended families are disadvantageous because:
1. they are difficult to maintain as they require many resources.
2.Also, decisions on matters concerning family can be difficult to make as concessions from different family members are needed and must be considered.
3.Additionally, they may be a source of poverty as a majority of the family members are dependents.
4. It may create laziness and a parasitic syndrome among some family members, because they may lack strict answer ability when it comes to undertaking duties.
C. Single parent family
This consists of only one parent and a child or children. This occurs when one parent dies, couple’s divorce or one becomes a guardian of children born out of wedlock.
Advantages of single parent family
Single parent families are advantageous as:
1. children quickly learn to earn a living as they are not well supported at home.
2. They also tend to work much harder in order to earn a living.
Disadvantages of the single parent family
Being in a single parent family may be disadvantageous because:
1. a parent faces a financial burden to maintain the family, which may lead to the problem of street children if the parent is unable to provide for them. 2. Children may also miss full parental care, which might affect them psychologically
3. children may not have a role model if either the father or the mother is missing.
4. A child’s sense of identity may suffer particularly sexual identity.
5. lack of access to education and a better life in general may be witnessed.
D. COUPLE FAMILY
This is the type of family consist of husband and wife who have no children. This is occurred immediate after marriage as a temporary period or due to infertility that is biological problem of fail to conceive and agreement between the couple to delay having a baby.
Advantage of couple family
i) It is cheap to manage.
ii) It is easy to reach agreement in decision making.
iii) It help to prepare a setting where children will be born and reared.
Disadvantage of couple family
i) It bring conflict among the childless partner who blame each other o this issue.
ii) It may face pressure from parents and relatives to break the marriage.
E. CHILD HEADED FAMILY
This the type of family that compose by the children only and the older sister or brother head the family following the death of all parents.
Advantage of child headed family
i) It helps to retain children at home.
ii) It help to retain family wealth to orphan.
iii) It bring sense of belonging or togetherness among the children.
Disadvantage of child headed family
i) They lack love and parental care.
ii) they lack basic needs and access to social services like education and health care.
iii) Children are forced to assume adult responsibilities.
iv) Children live as orphan.
F. STEP FAMILY
This is a family constitute spouses who remarry following divorce or widowhood and set up a new families by taking their children from the previous marriage into new families. These children known as step children.
Advantage/ Effects of step family
i) It help too bring parental care to children who lack one parents.
ii) It help to bring a joint effort in problem solving between a mother/father and step mother/step father.
Disadvantage/ Effects of step family
i) It may lead to segregation in children because parent may be close to his/her children.
ii) It may lead to too big family due to continuing bearing children.
iii) It can lead to HIV/AIDS if the partner do not undergo blood test before marriage.
The Importance/ Effects of Family
Family is very important because:
1. It provides a healthy atmosphere in a home where children are born and reared. This due to by bringing up children who will be honest, trust and responsible people in the society.
2. It also provides social services to the community as it is the nucleus of the community and transmits good social values from one generation to another.
3. families enhance love and solidarity among people – especially in those living in an extended family.
4. Families also help people perform different tasks at the same time. Such tasks cannot be performed by an individual. For instance, a mother does the cooking while the father chops firewood.
5.children are taught customs of their society. This is done by the parents and other family relatives like grant parents.
Family stability
This is the family which is living in peace, love, trust, respect, harmony and good behaviour.
Factors Contributing to Family Stability
There are several factors which contribute to family stability. For example,
1. love within the family may lead to the family members cooperating well with each other in all aspects of family matters.
2. Respect. If family members value each other in the family and other people in the community, they create harmony in the society.
3. Good behavior;- this avoids conflicts, family members create trust and enjoy comfortable life, hence, family stability.
Importance of family stability
Family stability is important because:
1. Enables family members to participate in socio-economic activities, such as studying and working hard for the well-being of the family and the nation at large.
2. It ensures that family members engage in good habits and activities, which in turn reduces incidences of crime in a country.
3. Family stability is also a basis for peace and stability in a country because peace always begins at the lowest level.
4. Also, family members may feel free to participate in environmental conservation by planting trees and avoiding any kind of pollution.
5. Children may be encouraged to start their own families and consequently ensure the lineage or continuity of the family.
Rights and Responsibilities of Family Members
RIGHT are the things one is allowed to do or is entitled to Family members have rights depending on their status in the family. For instance, parents have rights like
1. Bearing, guiding and advising children.
2. Teaching community values to their children.
3. Being respected by their children.
4. Making family decision
On the other hand, children have rights like:-
1. To basic and other needs such as food, shelter, clothes, education, health-care, rest and leisure.
2. Expressing their opinion:-Their opinions are also supposed to be heard.
3. They are to be given names and be registered.
4. Live with their parents.
5. Be protected from harm.
6. Be treated equally without discrimination.
Responsibilities of family members
A responsibility is a duty or a job someone has to do, and would be blamed if one fails to do it or does it wrongly. Each family member has his or her own duties for the benefit of the family and the community at large.
(a) Father
In most African societies, the father is the head of the family and therefore has more responsibilities than others. Such responsibilities include:
1. Making decisions for the family.
2. organizing family activities like cleanliness and meal by assistance of mother.
3. He also provides security and requirements for family members like food, clothes and good shelter.
4. He teaches children customs and traditions of their community.
5. maintains family discipline and peace.
(b) Mother
The mother always assists the father in maintaining the family. But in some societies,
1. the mother plays a significant role in day-to-day family matters.
2. She is the closest assistant and organizer of family activities.
3. She also gives birth and cares for both her husband and children.
4. Lastly, she is a bridge of love between parents and children as well as maintains family stability.
(c) Children
Children are an important component of the family and nation at large. 1. They are good assistants in domestic work and in take care of younger siblings.
2. They are a bond of love and joy in a family.
3. They have to respect parents and elders, and learn from them.
4. Going to school to learn
Consequences of Failure by Family Members to Carry out their Responsibilities
The consequences of failure by family members to carry out their responsibilities include:
1. The lack of basic needs. This is because children cannot get basic and other needs if their parents fail to work hard.
2. It can also lead to family conflict. the frequencies conflict will occurred because of the family members fail fulfill their responsibilities.
3. family breakdown this is accelerated by quarrels and frequency misunderstandings .
4. children becoming street kids. For instance absence of peace and security to family members make the children not stay at home.
5. Family may be witnessed children acquire bad habits and create trouble in the society.
7.0 PROPER BEHAVIOUR AND RESPONSIBLE DECISION MAKING
Behavior is the way a person does thing in a particular situation. A person behavior can change due to his/her mood, place or the person he or she is dealing with for example:-
1. Mood; when a person is happy, he or she behaves differently from the way he of she behaves when angry or sad.
2. Place:- a student in a classroom behave differently from the way he or she behave in the play ground.
3. Persons /one is dealing with: a student behaves differently when dealing with fellow student or friends, teachers, parents, relatives or strangers.
TYPES OF BEHAVIOUR
There are two major types of behavior, these are:-
1. Proper behavior, also known as good behavior.
2. Improper behavior, also known as bad behavior.
1. PROPER BEHAVIOUR
This behavior which is acceptable to the society. Example of such behavior includes honesty. Love. Kindness, obedience, sympathy and cooperation.
Origins or sources of proper behavior
These types of behavior may originate from various places in the society ; includes:-
1. Parents; good parents guide their children towards proper behavior.
2. Mass media; radio, television, news paper and other ypes of media have programmers or articles which teach people good behavior.
3. Proper education; people who get proper formal as well as informal education usually have good behavior.
4. Good friends.
5. Religious teaching
ELEMENTS OF PROPER BEHAVIOUR
Some of them are:-
1. Respect for parents, relatives and other people.
2. Use of proper language; this is means not using abusive language.
3. Cooperation; this is taking part in community activities such as minerals, wedding and environmental conservation.
4. Proper dressing; dressing which is socially acceptable.
5. Working hard.
6. Helping others.
7. Obedient; means obey the rules and regulation given by others.
8. Honesty; means being believable for good did.
IMPORTANCE OR SIGNIFICANCE OR ADVANTAGE OF BEHAVING PROPERLY
Some of the importance are as follows:
1. It promotes unity, peace and harmony in the society.
2. The members of the society are helpful and cooperative with each other
3. It give a chase for exercise individuals right and fulfill their responsibilities.
4. They promote development in the society through working hard.
2. IMPROPER BEHAVIOUR
This is behavior which is not acceptable in the society. Example prostitution.
ELEMENTS OF IMPROPER BEHAVIOUR
Some of the are:
1. Using abusive language.
2. Prostitution.
3. Taking illicit drugs.
4. Laziness.
5. Fighting.
6. Stealing and robbery.
7. Causing trouble and disturbing.
8. Disrespect for school rules., parents, elders and relatives.
9. Arrogance: this is being rude because one feel that he or she is more importance.
Factors or reasons or causes of improper behavior
Improper behavior can be a result of many factors some of these factors are:-
1. Lack of parental care and guidance; parents do not spend enough time with their children to know their problems.
2. Mass media, radio, television, internet and newspaper play a big role to change peoples behavior; some of the programmes and articles expose young people to violence, prostitution and other social evils.
3. Poverty; this is forces people into bad habit because of poor economic status. Example they may steal or engage in prostitution to get money.
4. Drunkenness; it makes people loss control of his or her action resulting in improper behavior.
5. Lack of proper education; makes people to do things which leads to improper behavior
6. Bad influence from friends; some friends are not good can lead one into abuse language, drugs, truancy, prostitution and absence from the school.
Consequences or effect of improper behavior
Improper behavior may lead to bad consequences or effects, some of these are:-
1. Spread of AIDS and HIV: this is due to prostitution and sharing needles for injecting drugs.
2. Occurrence of crimes such as robbery and rape.
3. Social problems such as drug abuse, homosexuality and corruption will occurred.
4. It can lead to hunger, unwanted pregnancies and early marriage.
5. People does not respect each other.
HOW TO CONTROL IMPROPER BEHAVIOUR
Several measures can be taken to control improper behavior, some of these measures are:
1. Mass education on good behavior among members of the society should be given.
2. Parents need to be closer to their children and spend quality time with them counseling and guiding them.
3. People who belong to different faiths should adhere to their religious teaching on good behavior.
4. The government should enforce the existing law to curb anti– social behavior.
5. The importation of pornographic material should be banned.
6. The government should ensure all children get formal education.
RESPONSIBLE DECISION MAKING
What is decision?
A decision is the choice which an individual makes after thinking through different option in a given situation.
What is decision making?
Decision making is one of the way of solving problems.
What is responsible decision making?
Responsible decision making involving making choice after carefully considering all the option available and using particular creative to make the best choice.
Rational decision making is involving reasoning and critical thinking before making decision. Rational decision making implies a healthy decision.
Steps for making decision
In making decision there are clear steps to be followed so as to reach the required goal. These steps are:-
a) Identifying the problem. problem is the issues a person need to make decision on it, therefore identifying the problem involving knowing an issue for making decision on it. Example getting low marks in civics subject.
b) Listing the possible solution to the problem. At this stage the person collects information on the possible solution to the problem. For example for a problem getting low marks in civics , the possible solution can be:- i) to take part in group discussion. ii) to study civics always iii) to get a tuition for civics.
c) Stating the criteria to use;- at this stage the student think the advantage and disadvantage of each the alternatives or possible solution proposed.
d) Evaluation. This is a process of forming opinion of something after carefully consideration. At this stage a person compare the advantage and disadvantage of each possible solution as a stage of getting best choice of the solution.
e) Making decision. The person select the best solution and act on it. That is, implementation starts at this stage
f) Checking the result;- this involving assessing if the choice made solve the problem or not. If not the person go to the list of possible solution and choose another solution to see if it works.
IMPORTANCE OF RESPONSIBLE DECISION MAKING
It has the following importance:-
1. It builds a sense of commitment; this is due to members of the society involving in the decision that affect them and agree to do for all of their effort.
2. It facilitates proper utilization of the available resources like time, people, capital and land.
3. It ensures a sense of equality: this is due to equal participation of members in decision making.
4. It ensure efficiency because members of the society make decision on issues that affect them.
5. It encourages a person to achieve what he or she planned to do.
8.0 ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION
The Meaning of Road or Traffic Signs
A road is a man-made pathway which enables vehicles, pedestrians, and even animals to move from one place to another. There are three types of roads – earth, gravel and tarmac roads.
Road safety refers to the general state of being safe from danger when using roads to move from one place to another. Roads are sometimes categorized as main and feeder (minor) roads. Road safety is the situation in which road users are free from risks and accidents.
Interpretation of Road or Traffic Signs
Road signs are international symbols which tell road users how to use the road properly. Some examples are warnings, like speed limit, a bending in the road, pedestrian or cattle crossings. The most common road signs are traffic lights, stop signs, no entry and speed bumps.
Road signs carry messages for road users through symbols, shapes and colors. Thus, road signs give instructions to road users so that the roads can be used properly and safely.
Categories of road signs
There are three types of road signs — prohibitory and mandatory/order, danger warning and informative signs.
1. Prohibitory and mandatory /order signs
These signs order the driver to follow the given direction so as to control the speed of road users. There are two types: those which allow (permit) and those which prohibit (limit). Those which permit are usually coloured green while those which prohibit are in red. They are also enclosed in circles or octagons.
2. Danger warning signs
These signs warn road users to take proper measures for the danger ahead. They comprise of pictures and diagrams which show the dangers, e.g. a double bend warning motorists to slow down. The useful shape is triangles, and the colour used is amber.
3. Informative signs
These signs are drawn on the road surface or fixed on a post by the roadside to give road users important information on how to use the road. They are also enclosed in rectangles, and a blue colour is used for the information.
Importance of Obeying Road or Traffic Signs
Road signs are very important because:
1.They help prevent accidents as they give information to road users about what lies ahead.
2. They also help to regulate the speed of road bends, vehicles and avoid traffic congestion, especially where roads intersect.
3. Additionally, road signs provide equal rights to road users and equal access to use the roads, e.g. cattle and pedestrian crossing signs.
4. They also tell drivers how to use the roads properly for the safety of other road users.
5. Lastly, they reduce the burden of using many traffic police to control the traffic, e.g. traffic lights may replace traffic police.
The Consequences of Failure to Observe Road Traffic Signs
A number of consequences can be seen if one fails to observe road signs. For example,
1.occurrence of road accidents if road users do not use the roads properly and unnecessary traffic jams, especially where roads intersect as there won’t be any command signs.
2. Also, there will not exist equal rights for road users, e.g. big vehicles would, for instance, dominate the use of the roads and deny small vehicles and other road user’s equal access to the roads.
3. We may witness an increase in the loss of lives and damage to property, not only to vehicles and people who use the roads but also to pedestrians or property that may be hit by overturning cars. Family suffering may also be witnessed. This is due to the death or permanent disability of victims of accidents. Such disabled persons may be unable to work, hence causing the economic decline of the family.
4. In addition to that, the government, people and organizations will have to spend large amounts of money on medical resources to treat not only the road accident victims but also in maintenance of the damaged vehicles or in buying new ones.
5. Accidents would also cause a delay in arriving at our destinations, eg. school, workplaces, church, mosque or home.
Causes of Road Accidents
Road accidents are unpleasant or unusual events that happen on or along the road unexpectedly and cause damage, fatalities (killing of people) or injuries. They take many forms — A car can crash, knocking down road poles due to brake failure, or a driver can lose control, knocking down pedestrians or animals crossing the road.
Road accidents are common in most countries in the world. However, in Africa, including Tanzania, the number of road accidents is increasing everyday due to the huge increase in the number of vehicles.
The major causes of road accidents in Tanzania
It can be categorized into internal or external causes.
A. INTERNAL CAUSES
These are man made causes like:-
1. Reckless and inappropriate driving — speed being the main factor, since fast-moving cars are sometimes uncontrollable.
2. Drunkenness — driving while drunk will always result in loss of control by drivers, causing accidents.
3. Failure to observe or ignorance about road sign or Lack of awareness of road users about road safety and traffic discipline.
4. The corrupt practice by the driving license issuing authorities (who offer licenses to unqualified and incompetent drivers).
5. Sudden stopping of vehicles on main roads, loading and unloading of passengers from buses in the middle of the road at undersigned bus stops.
6. Driving mechanically unfit vehicles at night.
7. Over-confidence which may lead to taking risks while driving.
8. Lack of policy enforcement or standard procedures that are observed by the traffic police, some of whom are corrupt.
9. Physical and mental illness of workers/drivers, for example, heart diseases, diabetes or depression.
10. Lack of motivation on the job. Drivers of commuter buses are forced to rush so as to collect enough money, which leads to frequent accidents
11. Driving for a long time without resting, such that the driver is likely to fall asleep while driving, e.g. long safari buses and cargo lorries.
12. Parking and overtaking errors
B. EXTERNAL CAUSES
These are the non man made causes like:-
1. Weather conditions: if the weather is not conducive, the roads that are not tarmacked may get badly damaged.
2. Poor road quality, especially in developing countries, where most of the main roads are narrow, rough and full of potholes.
3. Traffic lights not working due to power cuts off.
4. Technical errors including Bursting of tyres, brake failure and worn out vehicles.
Consequences/effects of road accidents
There are a number of consequences of road accidents that one may witness. For example,
1. travelers are delayed and children became orphans due to the death of their parents in accidents. Hence, children face a lot of suffering. Some of them end up as street children while other people and livestock die or face permanent disabilities.
2. A lot of money is spent on treating victims and in repairing or replacing the damaged vehicles and other property.
Prevention of Road Accidents
Road accidents may be prevented in different ways. For instance,
1. All road users should be aware of traffic rules and how to use them accordingly. This can be done by providing road safety education to all road users. Drivers should also be competent in interpreting road signs and follow their instructions properly. Traffic regulations and law enforcement departments must work efficiently. Road signs should be put on the roads, and no corrupt behavior should be done to the traffic police and other authorized personnel.
2. Drunkenness of drivers/road users should be prohibited and severe punishments should be put in place for negligent drivers. The government and the communities/institutions should frequently and thoroughly maintain the roads including the drainage systems to prevent the overflow of water, and they should check on unlawful building near the roads.
3. There should be regular checks on licenses, the physical and mental capabilities of drivers and the road worthiness of vehicles. Working hours for drivers should be set so that drivers can get an ample time to rest, and defective motor vehicles should not be allowed on the roads.
4. The government should make road safety laws/regulations and make sure they are implemented and enforced. Punitive fines for law violators must be introduced and effected.
5. Lastly, all road users must discipline themselves to use the roads properly. This could be easily implemented through provision of public education on road safety.
How to help the disabled, children and the elderly to cross roads Disabled people, children and the elderly are unable to cross roads safely, especially roads that have heavy traffic. These people should be assisted by people who are physically and mentally fit. The following are the procedures:
1. If it is at a zebra crossing: it is easy because vehicles will be prepared to stop and let you cross. However, you (the leader) should hold the disabled, child or elderly person by his/her right hand and cross with him/her slowly to the other side of the road.
2. If there is no zebra crossing: you should hold the disabled person by his/her right hand. Then with your left hand raised, you should wave to the traffic (vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles) to stop. When the traffic has stopped, cross with him/her slowly to the other side of the road.
Introduce Yourself (Example Post)
This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.
You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.
Why do this?
- Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
- Because it will help you focus you own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it.
The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.
To help you get started, here are a few questions:
- Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
- What topics do you think you’ll write about?
- Who would you love to connect with via your blog?
- If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?
You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.
Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.
When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.
SHANNERY MILINGA 