Mitigating the Effects of Fire Outbreaks in Secondary Schools: Strategies for Safeguarding Children at Risk in Tanzania

Abstract

This paper investigated alternative strategies for safeguarding Tanzania children from school fire disasters. The study was guided by change management theory. Data were collected from four secondary schools from two regions of Tanzania Mainland. A qualitative approach was employed and data were collected through face-to-face interviews, Focused Group Discussions and physical observations. The study involved 101 participants – 61 students, 35 teachers, 3 Heads of Schools and 2 members of the School Board. The study revealed that improved school infrastructures, provision of education to people, building harmony with the community, improved school security, installation of firefighting facilities in schools and identification of sources of fire were the appropriate strategies to manage fire. Combined efforts of the school, community, government and education supporters are of paramount importance for mitigating regular fire outbreaks in secondary schools.