The Mambo Elimu IRI curriculum includes 400 radio lessons for grades 1-4 in Swahili, mathematics, English, science, social studies, and life skills. These are broadcast daily in order to provide an accelerated programme. The Tucheze Tujinfunze IRI curriculum includes 78 radio lessons for pre-primary and 99 lessons for Standard 1 in Swahili, mathematics, ecology, and essential life skills. These are broadcast three times a week. Along with the lessons and daily broadcasts, EDC provides solar-powered radios, blackboards, print materials, and trainings for mentors.

A typical day at a Mambo Elimu centre begins with the radio programme introducing the day’s activities to an average of 40 children. Each radio segment offers a mix of stories, games, activities, and songs presented by an engaging cast of characters. In addition to the learning activities for students, each programme provides support and training for an onsite mentor by outlining the learning objectives for the day. Mentors are guided through the active, child-centered learning methods, which are often new to them. After each broadcast, the mentor turns to a printed guide to lead the children through additional lessons and practice periods. The lessons provide an active, group-learning approach that emphasises gender equity. In addition, efforts are made to feature locally developed materials. The lessons can last up to three hours in total. For the younger children attending Tucheze Tujifunze, classes average 25 students, the day is shorter and centres are provided with "Play to Learn" kits that include locally developed educational materials and stories.

Education, Health, HIV/AIDS, Early Childhood Development, Children, Youth.

In Tanzania, half the population is living in extreme poverty. Rural areas are particularly hard hit, with up to 5 million children out of school.

According to 2005 exam scores from districts where Mambo Elimu was piloted from 2002-2006, children who participated in the non-formal, radio-based education programmes performed as well as students in the state-run public school system. Between 82% and 87% of the Mambo Elimu students passed the standard national exams, which is comparable to public school students' scores. When children complete the lessons through fourth grade, the community assists them with the transition to the formal school system or a vocational programme.

The Mambo Elimu programme was transferred to the Tanzanian government in 2006. Districts now manage Mambo Elimu Community Learning Centres, while the Tanzania Broadcasting Services and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training collaborate to broadcast the radio series.

In Zanzibar, Tucheze Tujifunze is expanding beyond pre-primary. As of May 2008, Grade one is now under production, and a series for grade two is also being planned for broadcast, reaching under-served children in some of the economically poorest and most isolated communities. One hundred twenty-five new Tucheze Tujifunze Community Learning Centres in Zanzibar and an additional 100 Mambo Elimu Community Learning Centres on the Tanzanian mainland have received training, radios, and learning materials. Together, the new learning centres in Zanzibar and on the mainland intend to reach an additional 15,000 children. With 650 additional Tanzanian primary schools also receiving radios, an estimated 400,000 primary students will be able to take part in the programmes.