From noticing a child to getting them help
1. Screen
The teacher answers plain questions about what a learner can do. One question per screen, with large answer buttons.
- Consent is checked before any question appears.
- About five minutes for each learner.
- Stop at any time. Answers are saved so you can carry on later.
| min | Screenings |
|---|---|
| 3 min | 8 |
| 4 min | 21 |
| 5 min | 34 |
| 6 min | 19 |
| 7+ min | 6 |
2. Flag
Tambua shows the areas where the learner may need support. It never gives a label, and every result says this is not a diagnosis.
- Results use plain words, like: may need support in hearing.
- The teacher sees a clear next step.
- Only a qualified professional can assess a child.
| learners | |
|---|---|
| No concerns | 35 |
| May need support | 7 |
3. Support
The teacher gets practical guidance for that learner, in Kiswahili. Where needed, they can refer the learner for assessment.
- Small changes that work in a crowded classroom.
- Short lessons a teacher can read between classes.
- Referrals go to the head teacher to follow up.
23% of the learners flagged are now receiving support.
| learners | |
|---|---|
| May need support | 120 |
| Teacher used the guidance | 96 |
| Referred for assessment | 41 |
| Receiving support | 28 |
4. Track
Schools and partners see what is happening, class by class and district by district.
- Screening coverage by class, school, district and region.
- Referrals from waiting to attended.
- Partners see totals, not children's names.
| District | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Arusha City | 78% |
| Meru | 64% |
| Karatu | 51% |
| Moshi | 43% |
| Hai | 22% |
What a screening looks at
The questions cover what a child can do in daily school life.
13 areas of daily school life
- Seeing
- Hearing
- Walking
- Using hands and fingers
- Communicating
- Learning
- Remembering
- Concentrating
- Accepting change
- Controlling behaviour
- Making friends
- Worry
- Sadness
Based on the functional areas of the WG/UNICEF Child Functioning Module, Teacher Version. Questions in Tambua are our own wording, not the official text, and are not validated. The official wording needs permission and validation before use.
Where Tambua is going
Four layers. The first two are what schools use today; the next two are being built.
- 1In use
Early identification
Screening built on the functional areas of the Child Functioning Module.
- 2In use
Teacher support
Guidance and short lessons in Kiswahili and English for each area.
- 3Coming soon
Learner and parent content
Lessons in Kiswahili and Tanzanian Sign Language.
- 4Partly in use
Dashboards and screening kits
Dashboards today; low cost vision and hearing kits next.