The Policy Analysis and Advocacy programme was designed to effect change in the education system at the policy level that would ultimately benefit female and male children in Tanzania. In some activities, building on the work of the Community Governance and Public Engagement programmes, members of the community and their representatives are enabled to participate in and/or directly influence national policy making processes.

The programme focuses on intermediate actors who are considered to be in a position to influence education matters and macro policies that impact learning opportunities of the economically poor. These include research organisations, academic bodies, civil society organisations (with research, analysis and advocacy programmes), strategic decision-makers in government and the donor community, Members of Parliament and other elected representatives, and the media.

Activities in the Policy Analysis and Advocacy programme are:

Research studies and opinion polls: HakiElimu conducts research studies on education in Tanzania, with particular emphasis on governance aspects. The aim was to produce research for policy change, and to provide a solid basis for HakiElimu's advocacy positions. Potential studies include an exploration of factors that influence effectiveness of school governance, student government and/or teachers' unions, and of the impact of governance on the quality of education. Other topics include monitoring the impact on education of local government/sector reforms, including the poverty reduction strategy paper (PRSP).

Research and policy position papers: HakiElimu publishes focused research and policy position papers on key education and related issues. The papers, provided analysis and policy recommendations on specific topical issues. Papers are developed in areas of HakiElimu's interests, and in response to specific requests and needs emanating from ongoing processes. The papers were posted on the HakiElimu website .

Annual State of Education in Tanzania report: The report was the “flagship” publication of HakiElimu. It aimed to serve as the authoritative reference document on basic education in Tanzania. While the report provides an overall situation analysis, each issue also focuses on a particular theme, such as “gender and education” or “education and democracy.” Human rights and equity concerns guide the focus of all the reports. The report also draws on information from HakiElimu's experience in the Community Governance and Public Engagement programmes.

Public policy debates: HakiElimu organizes interactive policy debates on education policy issues. Key actors were invited to publicly interact on burning issues. Debate between opposing viewpoints was emphasised, and the “audience” is able to ask focused questions of the presenters. Examples of potential debates included an interaction between the head of the Tanzania Teachers Union and the Minister of Education on how teachers should be employed, a Permanent Secretary being quizzed by a team of lawyers on progress in Tanzania in relation to its legal commitments to education, and a panel of donors being challenged by students to account for how their work is of benefit to children.

Library/resource centre: HakiElimu established a library of materials on education, human rights, gender and development. The aim was to enable HakiElimu staff, partners, affiliates, researchers and other interested parties to gain easier access to current material on education and related matters. Collections included published manuscripts and papers as well as policy documents, working papers, non-governmental organisation reports and newspapers. The resource centre also provides a range of services including, compiling lists of new acquisitions, assistance with internet searches, a newspaper clipping and classifying service, the production of simple information sheets on key topics, and assistance to researchers on best sources for information. In-house access is available to a wider public, but borrowing privileges are limited.

International networking: HakiElimu links with selected international partners and networks to share information, contribute to two-way learning, and shape processes that are likely to have an important influence on education matters in Tanzania.

Youth, Rights, Women, Children, Education.

The national policy processes on education and related matters were broadened to be inclusive through the following actions:

• six research studies and opinion polls on topical education matters were conducted, and 10 research and policy position papers were published and distributed;
• two annual State of Education in Tanzania reports were published in Swahili and English and distributed to key stakeholders;
• ten public policy debates were held on contentious issues in education and summaries of key points raised were compiled and distributed;
• effectiveness of civil society coalitions to monitor and influence policy-making on education, the PRSP and other related issues were strengthened;
• a rapid response advocacy mechanism was developed and is functioning;
• a broader set of actors (including women and youth) were consulted on policy-making, including through the direct participation of the grassroots in key policy processes;
• a library resource collection was established, and provided practical services to HakiElimu staff, affiliates and partners and;
• strategic networking relationships were developed with international partners and networks.