Physical Education in Tanzanian Secondary Schools : Perceptions towards Physical Education as an Academic Discipline

Programmed physical activities with a particular goal are as educative as any other non-physical program. As academic discipline, Physical Education (PE) in Tanzania was introduced in secondary schools during colonial period. However, the subject has suffered serious neglect to the extent that, the society takes as an unimportant, extra-curricular program that students are to participate just for recreation. Favourable conditions to enable government policy on PE get implemented had not been adequately created in the schools because, there were no teachers, facilities and almost no form four-PE examination at national level. This lack of teachers, facilities and examinations could be significant signs that show governmental preferences, that PE was not preferentially set to be implemented as an academic discipline. The government, PE professionals and policy makers need to work together if PE is to stand and grow in the Tanzania society.