NYERERE’S PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION FOR SELF-RELIANCE: A PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE

This article investigates on whether education for self-reliance continues to be relevant and important for developing nations like Tanzania. It gives a comprehensive philosophical exploration on the idea of education for self-reliance implemented by Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nye ere. Nye ere employed this idea as a national education policy. He proposes education for self-reliance as the best form of education which should be provided in Tanzania. Nyerere’s vision of education for self-reliance represents a fundamental moral and philosophical assertion regarding the essence of humanity, the importance of knowledge as well as ethical values of the society.

Using qualitative method, specifically Critical-Analytical method, the study explores how Nye ere was influenced by different traditions such as empiricism, pragmatism, Platonism and African socialism. From these school of thoughts, Nye ere shaped his educational philosophy known as education for self-reliance. Such vision aimed at making people self-independent, free from depending on foreign aid, virtue, and self-actualization.