By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Tanzanian authorities have barred schools from making use of several children’s books on sex education, stating that such educational materials are in contravention of “cultural and moral standards” in this East African country.
“We are banning these books from schools and other educational structures because they are contrary to cultural and moral standards,” Education Minister Adolf Mkenda told reporters on Monday from the capital Dodoma.
Books affected by the ban include, “Diary of a Wimp: Greg Heffley’s Logbook,” a series of American graphic novels that have sold millions of copies worldwide.
The government did not specify why it was targeting this “diary” featuring a teenager.
The government said inspections were being conducted in public and private school libraries to ensure that the “Diary of a Wimp” had been removed but did not specify why it was being targeted.
Textbook on sex education and books mentioning LGBTQIA groups, also made it to the list of books contravening the country’s moral standards, the Minister said.
Last week, the head of state Samia Suluhu Hassan called on student leaders to be wary of “imported cultures” from abroad. “If you are Tanzanian, live according to our culture,” she told them.
In Tanzania, homosexuality is punishable by a minimum sentence of 30 years to life imprisonment.
