THE CONCEPT OF CIVICS AND OUR NATION
What is civics?
Civics: is the study of human rights and responsibilities of the citizens.
The major concern on studying civics
i. The environment which we live in.
ii. Government and governance.
iii. Human rights.
iv. Responsibilities of the citizens.
v. Social cultural and economic development.
IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING CIVICS
1. To understand human rights and responsibilities of the citizens.
2. To understand how leaders are obtained.
3. To understand the environment which people live.
4. To peomote and protect national culture.
5. To promote and protect human rights.
6. To promote good relationship with others countries.
7. To understand qualities of good leaders.
8. To understand the principles and laws of the country.
OUR NATION
A nation: is a large geographical areas consisted of well defined geographical boundaries with people sharing the common, culture, history, language and government. Example of nations: Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe component of the nation.
A family: is a social group people who are closely related to each other which comprise father, mother, children and sometimes close relatives like uncles, aunts and so on.
A clan: is a combination of various families.
A tribe: is a group of different clans whose people of the same culture history and language barrier. Therefore the combinations of several tribes make up the population of nation.
COMPONENTS OF THE NATION
Normally our nation is composed of about seven components which are:-
i. People.
ii. Country.
iii. Sovereignty.
iv. Culture.
v. Government.
vi. Language.
vii. History.
1. People: Are the persons who belonging to the given country under their government.
The population size of Tanzania is estimated to 59.9 millions people.
2. Language: is the medium of communication which people us in a given country to shere information among them. The national language in Tanzania is Kiswahili.
3. A country/territory: refers to the area of land which has well defined geographical boundaries and the one government. The Tanzania country has about 947, 303 square kilometers. Our country, the united Republic of Tanzania was formed on 26th April 1964. On that day Tanganyika and Zanzibar were unified to form one Country.
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Tanzania is Bordered by the following countries:-
i. Kenya and Uganda to the North.
ii. Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south.
iii. Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo to the West.
iv. The India Ocean borders Tanzania to the East.
4. Sovereignty: is the freedom where the country has self independent government. It means that the country has no external domination. This freedom enable a country to exercise its own internal or external affairs. This means that there is no external power that controls that country. Normally Tanzania is sovereign country since 1961.
Types of sovereignty
There are two types of sovereignty which are:-
i. Internal sovereignty: Is the sovereignty whereby the country has the power to exercise its internal affairs without being interfered by external country. Example implementation of development projects. Tanganyika becomes a sovereignty state on 9th December 1961 and Zanzibar got its sovereignty on 10th December 1964.
ii. External sovereignty: is the sovereignty whereby the country has the freedom to form and exercise its own external affairs without being interfered by another country. Example the implementation of foreign policies.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A SOVEREIGN STATE
i. A sovereign state is embodied with the following characteristics.
ii. It has an international recognition.
iii. It has defined boundaries of its territory.
iv. It has population that share a sense of belonging, language, traditional and history.
v. The state has supreme power to control people and association within its boundaries.
vi. It is able to divide its own matter for the development of its people.
FACTORS VIOLATING/AFFECTING NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY
i. Peer groups.
ii. Poverty.
iii. Civil war.
iv. Natural calamities.
v. Conflicts
IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY
i. It Maintain good relations with other nation.
ii. It helps to maintain the peace and security of a Nation. This is done by making, executing and applying laws.
iii. It brings national stability.
iv. It encourages investor to invest in a country.
v. The nation is free to establish policies that encourage local and foreign investors to invest in the country.
vi. Citizens are free from being dominated by other nations,
5. Culture: is the total way of people's life in given community and time.However culture is differ from one society to another society.
6. History: refers to the series of historical event of the given community or country. However every nation has its own history since it was formed. Example the history Tanzania is divided in to three phases which are precolonial era, colonial era and after independence colonial era.
7. Government: is the group of people elected or selected/appointed within the society which is responsible for governing country. However the government of Tanzania is the united republic government.
THE NATIONAL SYMBOLS
National symbols: These are marks and signs which represent and identify the given nation.
ELEMENTS/ COMPONENTS OF NATIONAL SYMBOLS
i. The national anthem.
ii. The national language.
iii. The national constitution.
iv. The national currency.
v. The national festivals.
vi. The coat of arms/national emblem.
vii. The national torch.
viii. National standard.
ix. The national falg.
A. THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
National anthem: Is the official song of the nation. It is normally played or sung during the special events/occussions . However the Tanzaniannational anthem has two stanza.
Conditions/Events which can make the national song to be played/sung
i. When the president want to address a nation.
ii. During the opening international football matches.
iii. When the president inspect the guard.
iv. When the president or vice president visit another country.
v. When the national flag is being hosted.
vi. When the president want to declare the state of emergency like war.
vii. When the president want to announce the death of famous leader like the prime minister.
Example of national anthem in Tanzania
1. Mungu ibariki Afrika, Wabariki viongozi wake,
Hekima umoja na amani, Hizi ni ngao zetu,
Afrika na watu wake, Ibariki Afrika ibarki,
Afrika tubariki watoto wa Afrika.
2. Mungu ibariki Tanzania, Dumisha Uhuru na umoja,
Wake kwa waume na watoto, Mungu ibariki,
Tanzania na watu wake,
Ibariki Tanzania, Ibariki Tanzania,
Tubariki Watoto wa Tanzania.
IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL ANTHEM
1. It serves as the national identity.
2. It promote national unity among Tanzanians.
3. It makes citizens feel proud with their nation.
4. It express sense of belonging to Tanzania.
5. It emphasis peace and love in the country.
6. It encourage solidarity among the Tanzanians.
7. It help to citizens develop the sense of patriotism toward their country B. THE NATIONAL FLAG
Flag: is a piece of cloth with special designed colour.
The national flag: is the flag which represent the freedom of the country. The national flag in Tanzania for the first time was hosted on 09/December/1961. However the national flag of the united republic of Tanzania was hosted for the first time on 26/April/1964.
Colours of Tanzania national flag
The national flag of Tanzania has four colours which are:-
i. The black colour: This represent the skin colour of African who are indigenous of Tanzania.
ii. The yellow colour: it represent the natural resources of Tanzania like minerals, and national parks.
iii. The blue colour: it represent water bodies found in Tanzania like like ocean, sea, lakes and rivers.
iv. The green colour: it represent vegetations found in Tanzania
IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL FLAG
1. It helps to represent national freedom.
2. It help to symbolize the Tanzanian citizens.
3. It help to understand different events taking place in the country. Example the death of government leader.
4. It help to identify the national resources.
5. It help people to develop sense of belonging in the country.
6. It help to citizens develop the sense of patriotism toward their country.
C. THE COAT OF ARMS/NATIONAL EMBLEM
The coat of arms: is the government logo which consisted of different colours and landmarks representing the Tanzanian nation. However the coat of arm is the official stamp of the government.
COMPONENTS OF COAT OF ARMS
The coat of arms consisted of twelve (12) components which are:-
i. Two human figures: The man and women represent the people of Tanzania who cooperate together.
ii. The two elephant tusks: They represent national heritage intems of wildlife.
iii. Shield and spear: They represent the weapons of the nations which can be used to defend the nation as well as the weapons used during the struggle for independence. However these weapons represent the redness of Tanzanian to defend their country.
iv. Golden band on the upper part of the shield: This represent mineral as the wealth of the country.
v. Flame of the burning Uhuru torch: This represent national freedom and enlightenment.
vi. The national flag: this represent national freedom or sovereignty.
vii. The red band in the shield: this represent the fertile red soil found in Tanzania.
viii. The crossed axe and hoe: These represent tools which Tanzanian use to develop their nation.
ix. The sea waves: These represent water bodies found in Tanzania like ocean and lakes. Normally about 60% of Tanzanian land is covered by water bodies such as ocean, lakes, rivers, dams and swamps.
x. The peak of mount Kilimanjaro: It represent the tourist attraction in Tanzania. It is a source of pride to Tanzanians. Mount Kilimanjaro is the Hughest mountain in Tanzania and in Africa.
xi. Crops (cotton and cloves): They represent cash crops growing in Tanzania both in Zanzibar and Mainland.
xii. The inscription UHURU NA UMOJA: These represent freedom and unity in the country. It serve as a national moto of the united republic of Tanzania
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| Coat of Arms (Tanzania) |
IMPORTANCE OF COAT OF ARMS
1. It help to symbolize the state authority and official government seal.
2. It help to symbolize our national culture and history.
3. It help to identify the national heritages.
4. It encourage unity and cooperation to the citizens.
5. It help people to develop the sense of patriotism toward the country.
6. It help to symbolize political and economic base of the country.
7. It encourage the sense of nationalism among the citizens.
D. THE NATIONAL TORCH/UHURUTORCH
The national torch: This refers to the independence torch which was first lit on top of mount Kilimanjaro at midnight on 9th December 1961. This was the day when Tanzania got her independence.
The national torch represent the illumination of Tanzania people. The message conveyed by Uhuru Torch is to promote positive political, social and economic changes.
Special song for Uhuru Torch
Sisi tumekwisha kuwasha mwenge, tumekwisha kuwasha mwenge Nakuweka juu ya mlima, mlima Kilimanjaro.
Kuwasha mwenge, kuwasha mwenge. Kibwagizo
Nakuweka Kilimanjaro
Nakuweka Kilimanjaro
Umulike hata nje ya mipaka yetu, ulete tumaini Pale ambapo hakuna matumaini
Upendo mahali ambapo pana chuki
Na heshima ambapo pamejaa dharau.
IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL TORCH
1. It help to symbolize the freedom and light in the country.
2. It encourage unity among people in the country.
3. It encourage social, political and economic changes in the country.
4. It encourage development. Especially all parts where Uhuru torch passes.
5. It promotes peace and love in the country.
6. It emphasis solidarity and cooperation.
E. NATIONAL CURRENCY
The national currency: Is the system of money used in the nation. Normally the Tanzanian national currencies are in system of note and coin which is expressed in Tanzanian shilings. The notes have the value of 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 while coins have values of 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is crime for individual person to deliberately destroy or reproduce national currency. Tanzania national currency is only issued by the Bank of Tanzania (BOT).
IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL CURRENCIES
1. It used in buying and selling in the country.
2. It help to measure the value of goods and services in the country.
3. It used as a means of setting debts.
4. It facilities economic development through trade activities.
5. It symbolize our national identity.
6. It help to measure the level of economic development.
7. It help to identify national freedom.
F. THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION
The National constitution: Is the body of law and fundamental principles which show how the country has to be governed. Normally our country is ruled according to the written in 1977.
IMPORTANCE OF A NATIONAL CONSTITUTION
The constitution is very importance to the country for the following reason.
1. It protects human rights in the given country.
2. It promotes fairness and justice to the government towards the citizens.
3. It describes the form of government that is used in the country.
4. It defines the power limit of leaders in the country.
5. It shows how leaders have to be chosen.
7. It promote the democratic practice.
8. It serve as national identity.
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| National Constitution |
G. THE PRESIDENT STANDARD
The president standard: is the national flag which is used during the official ceremonies where the president is in attendance. Normally it has the green background and blue border and the coat of arm in the middle. But the coat of arms in the presidential flag it has no crops, human figures or the peak of mount Kilimanjaro.
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| President Standard |
Importance of presidential standard
i. It symbolize the president authority.
ii. It serves as national identity.
H. THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE
National language: is the language which is spoken by all people in the nation. Normally the national language in Tanzania is Kiswahili.
IMPORTANCE OF A NATIONALLANGUAGE
1. It facilities communication in the country.
2. It help to promotes unity in the country.
3. It promote unity and solidarity in the country.
4. It serves as the national identity.
5. It facilitates trade activities in the country.
6. It encourage national culture.
7. It used on creating international relationship.
I. THE NATIONAL FESTIVALS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
The national festivals: Are the special days where by people in a given nation celebrate the important occasions in the country. Examples Mei mosi day.
TYPES OF NATIONAL FESTIVALS
A. THE CIVIC HOLIDAYS
i. Independence day: Is a day where Tanzania people cerebrate the day where Tanganyika got her independence. This day is cerebrated each 9th December every year.
Tanganyika was attained her political independence in 9th, December 1961 from British colonial power under Queen Elizabeth II.
ii. The revolution day: Is a special day where by all Tanzanian celebrate the day where zanzibar got her independence. Zanzibar revolution occurred in 12th January 1964 under the Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume. Tanzania celebrate revolution day on each 12 January every year.
iii. The Union day: Is a special day where all Tanzanians celebrate the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar took place on 26th April 1964. The union was chaired by the President of Zanzibar Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume and the President of Tanganyika Mwalim Julius Kambarage nyerere. This day in Tanzania is celebrated on each 26th April every year.
iv. The Saba-saba day: This is special day where all traders are exhibiting their products abd creativity to the public. This day was formed from TANU under the President J.K.Nyerere for the aim of promoting trade exhibition. However Sabasaba day in Tanzania is cerebrated on each 7th July every year.
v. Nane Nane day/Farmers's day: Is the special day where all farmers in Tanzania are exhibiting their farming creativity and products. This day is cerebrated on each 8th August every year. It is formed for the aim of helping farmers and traders to exhibit their products, working tools like machines and creativity. However each year one region is chosen to host this day.
vi. Nyerere day: Is a special day where all Tanzanians comemorate the death of the first president of Tanzania. Nyerere day is fall on each 14th evwry year. Mwalim Julius Kambarage Nyerere. J. K. Nyere dead on 14th December 1999.
vii. Karume day: Is a special day where all Tanzanians comemorate the death of the first president of Zanzibar Sheikh Abeid Aman Karume. It fall on each 7th April year. Shekh Abeid Aman karume died on 7th, August, 1972. He was assassinated with gun.
viii. The new year day: Is a day where all people in the world celebrate the beginning of the new year. This dsy is fall each 1rst January every year. However this is the international holiday.
ix. May Mosi Day/Labour days: Is a special day where all workers celebrate. It is celebrated every year on the first May. It is also known as international labour day. In this day diferent workers from the various fields expect the increase of salary scale. And also in this day the president announce or promise workers good future as the wayvof promoting hope to different workers like Teachers, doctors, policies and other public servants.
B. RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
i. Christmas day: Is a special day where all Christians in the world celebrate the birth Jesus Christ. This day is fall on each 25th December every year.
Boxing day: This is the day where Christians open the gifts received on Christmas day and they from various friends. It fall on each 26the December every year.
ii. Good Friday and Easter Sunday: These are days where all Christians commemorate the suffering of Jesus Christ, his death and resurrection. However these dates are calculated by special formulas. Normally these days fall between march and April.
iii. Maulidi day: This is a day where all Muslims celebrate the birth of prophet Muhammad. According to Islamic calendar prophet Muhammad was born on 12th Babiul-Awal in 570 AD.
iv. Eid-elfitr: Is a special day where all Muslims in the world celebrate the end of holly fasting month of Ramadhani. Normally on this day Muslims give alms to the poor people. Normally the celebration of Eid-elfitr depend on sighting of the month which is usually differ with geographical location but is more inter-contibental.
v. Eid-el-Haji: This is the day where muslims in the world celebrate the end of pilgrimate to Mecca according to the Islamic calender. On this day Muslims slaughter goates, sheeps, and eating togather.
IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL FESTIVALS
1. They create important events in the country.
2. They help to remember the heros of the country example J.K.Nyerere, Abeid Amani Karume, Mkapa, Joseph Jon Magufuli, etc.
3. They serve as the national identity.
4. They promote national history.
5. They encourage unity and cooperation.
6. They encourage creativity to people example Nane nane day.
7. They promotes national culture.
8. They help in identifying the problems facing the society.
GUIDING QUESTIONS
1. Briefly give out five importance of studying civics to Tanzankan societies.
2. Outline six composition of Tanzanian nation.
3. Outline five circumstances which can makes national song to be sung/played.
4. Outline any five components of coat or arms
