One subject I have not really hit on that is different from most of my readers (USA school educated) than the Tanzanian (based on British systems) is the subject of Prefects. A prefect is typically an older student who is given authority to help maintain order and assist younger students. What we have in the USA is typically a student council that honestly I have no idea what the really do other than give speeches promising things they cannot deliver. Basically they are future politicians.

Here at Tumaini they elect prefects in a school assembly for various areas to help (do it for) teachers. They elect a girl and boy in each of these areas. There is head boy and head girl who are supposed to manage the prefects. There are prefects in charge of religion (read the bible at daily devotion and Friday worship), environment (pick up trash and water the flowers/garden), food (help the cooks), academics (get up and remind the students they have a test coming up every month). I am sure there are others but I don’t remember. The rest of the prefects they elect are supposed to get the formations in the morning and afternoon squared away, make the students be quiet, lead morning formation by shouting various commands like attention, left turn, about turn, hands up etc. etc.

Normally I have to meet with them once or twice a month to remind them of their duties to help all the students and not just their friends get into formation and be quiet. It is basically a popularity contest (just like student council).

The nice part is there are no speeches we have to sit through for the prefect election.

After an hour or so most of the students just want a nap.