Concept of Citizenship

The Meaning of Citizen and Citizenship

The term citizenship comes from the word citizen, which means a person who is accepted as a member and who belongs to a certain country. In Tanzania, a person cannot be a citizen of more than one country. Therefore, citizenship is the state of being a citizen of a particular country. A responsible citizen is one who fulfills the duties and responsibilities of a citizen in their country.

Types and the Importance of Citizenship

Explain the Types and Importance of Citizenship

There are three main types of citizenship:

1. Citizenship by Birth

• This is the type of citizenship that most citizens have in a given country. It means a person has citizenship status simply by being born to parents who are citizens of that country. It is sometimes known as natural citizenship.

1. Citizenship by Naturalization

• This type is granted to a foreign national after they have fulfilled certain requirements set by the country. These requirements often include living in the country for a specified period, demonstrating knowledge of the country’s language and culture, and taking an oath of allegiance.

1. Citizenship by Registration or Descent

• This type is given to individuals who are not citizens by birth but can claim citizenship because their parents or grandparents are citizens of that country. This often applies to children born abroad to citizen parents.

Importance of Citizenship

• Rights and Privileges: Citizenship provides individuals with specific rights and privileges, such as the right to vote, the right to work, and the right to reside in the country.
• Protection: Citizens receive protection from their country, both at home and abroad. This includes legal protection and, in some cases, consular assistance when traveling.
• Participation in Civic Life: Citizenship allows individuals to participate in the political and civic life of their country, such as voting in elections and running for public office.
• Sense of Belonging: Citizenship fosters a sense of belonging and identity, linking individuals to their country’s culture, values, and traditions.
• Access to Public Services: Citizens typically have access to public services such as education, healthcare, and social security.

Citizenship is a critical aspect of a person’s identity and role in their country, encompassing both privileges and responsibilities.

Concept of Citizenship

The Meaning of Citizen and Citizenship

The term citizenship comes from the word citizen, which means a person who is accepted as a member and who belongs to a certain country. In Tanzania, a person cannot be a citizen of more than one country. Therefore, citizenship is the state of being a citizen of a particular country. A responsible citizen is one who fulfills the duties and responsibilities of a citizen in their country.

Types and the Importance of Citizenship

Types of Citizenship

1. Citizenship by Birth

• This is the type of citizenship that most citizens have in a given country. It means a person has citizenship status simply by being born to parents who are citizens of that country. It is sometimes known as natural citizenship.

1. Citizenship by Naturalization/Registration

• This involves applying to the ministry responsible for granting citizenship status. This is given to those who have been positively accepted by the concerned ministry. For instance, if a non-citizen wishes to become a Tanzanian citizen, they can apply to the Ministry of Home Affairs for citizenship.
• Citizenship by registration is granted directly in Tanzania to any female applicant who is married to a Tanzanian, no matter whether she is from a Commonwealth or non-Commonwealth country. Any citizen of a Commonwealth country may also apply for citizenship by registration. People from non-Commonwealth countries may also apply for citizenship. To be granted citizenship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
  • Legally lived in the country for no less than five years continuously.
  • Able to speak Kiswahili and/or English fluently.
  • Well-behaved (i.e., not found engaging in criminal behavior).
  • Make an oath denouncing their previous citizenship.
  • Promise to be a good citizen and to be loyal to the constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.

1. Citizenship by Descent

• A person who was born outside the country, but whose parents are citizens of Tanzania by birth or naturalization, can also apply for citizenship to the Minister of Home Affairs.

Loss of Citizenship in Tanzania

In Tanzania, one can lose citizenship status on three grounds:

• Holding dual nationality (i.e., being a Tanzanian citizen while also being a member of another country or other countries).
• Denouncing Tanzanian citizenship.
• Obtaining citizenship by fraud.

Importance of Citizenship

• Legal Rights and Protection: Citizens receive legal rights and are protected as citizens of that country.
• Recognition: Citizenship is the legal way of being recognized as a person belonging to a particular country.
• Participation in Decisions: Citizens gain legitimacy to be involved in decisions in the country, such as voting for leaders or being elected as leaders.
• Authority and Revenue: A country can impose its authority upon its citizens to carry out its policies for national development and collects revenue through taxes paid by citizens.

Activity 1

1. Ask your fellow students, what is their citizenship?
2. What is your citizenship?

Citizenship Responsibilities

The Responsibilities of a Citizen

These responsibilities are also called civic responsibilities. They can be categorized into four types: personal, political, social, and economic.

• Personal Responsibility: A good citizen behaves respectfully, takes care of themselves, makes worthwhile decisions, considers the rights, freedom, and interests of others, and supports their family.
• Political Responsibilities: A good citizen participates in the political affairs of their nation, stays informed on local, national, and international issues, watches and gives opinions on government processes, contests for leadership, votes in elections, attends political meetings, and is ready to defend the nation.
• Social Responsibilities: Respect for others’ rights, crime prevention and reporting, respecting laws, being honest, protecting the environment, safeguarding public property, promoting education and health services, and helping disabled people.
• Economic Responsibilities: Paying taxes and duties, doing lawful productive work, providing dependents with basic material and social services, and participating in community development activities.

Civic Responsibilities

Practicing civic responsibilities is crucial for the well-being and development of the nation.

Importance of Fulfilling Civic Responsibilities

• Claiming Rights: Individuals have the duty to ask for quality services if they have paid their taxes.
• Respect: Fulfilling civic responsibilities earns respect in the family, society, nation, and internationally.
• Crime Reduction: Civic responsibilities help reduce crime and wrongdoing.
• Peace and Security: Fulfillment of responsibilities ensures peace and security in the country.

Dangers of Not Fulfilling Civic Responsibilities

• Loss of Rights: Citizens cannot claim their rights if they do not fulfill their responsibilities, like paying taxes.
• Legal Consequences: Irresponsible citizens can be sued in court, e.g., tax evaders.
• Social Issues: Failure to fulfill responsibilities leads to poverty, increased social evils, and underdevelopment of the nation.

Exercise 1

Match the Words in Column A with the Correct Statement in Column B

Responsibilities to Special Groups Including HIV/AIDS Victims

The Term Special Groups

Special Groups are people with special needs who are disadvantaged or disabled and unable to fulfill their civil responsibilities. They need special attention from able-bodied people. Special groups include:

• Victims of HIV/AIDS
• Disabled individuals
• Other disadvantaged groups

Special Needs for Each Special Group

• Victims of HIV/AIDS: These individuals are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks white blood cells. They need special care as the disease has no cure and they may face stigma, fear, and financial challenges.

Special Groups and Responsibilities Towards Them

Women

Women face various special problems due to being underprivileged, oppressed, exploited, and treated differently from men. These issues include:

• Rape, female genital mutilation, and forced marriages
• Inability to inherit or own property
• Lower school enrollment rates compared to boys

These practices are socially constructed and significantly impact women’s lives and opportunities.

Disabled People/Handicapped

Disabled people are those with reduced function of particular body organs, limiting their abilities to perform certain tasks. They often face stigma from society and may struggle to meet their basic needs.

Refugees

Refugees are individuals forced to leave their homeland due to social or political problems like war, drought, or famine. In Tanzania, refugees from Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) often lack:

• Housing
• Nutritious food
• Social services like education and health
• Family integration

Orphans

Orphans, children without parents, lack parental care and love. They often cannot meet their basic needs or access social services like education and health.

Youth

The youth, who are not yet adults, face challenges related to physiological and mental growth. Girls may suffer from early marriages and pregnancies, while some boys may abuse drugs or join bad groups.

Children

Children, human beings below eighteen years of age, are unable to support themselves in terms of basic and social needs. They require special attention from parents and the community to survive and thrive.

Street Children

Street children live a miserable life on the streets due to problems such as poverty, family disintegration, and influence from bad youth groups. They may engage in unlawful acts like prostitution, stealing, child labor, and begging to survive.

Elderly People (the Aged)

Elderly people, due to their age, are physically unfit to work effectively and earn a living. They need assistance from able-bodied individuals to meet their basic needs and remain mentally and physically active.

Responsibilities Towards Special Groups

Responsibilities of Citizens to the Disabled

• Encourage and help the disabled to consider themselves as normal citizens and participate in social and economic activities.
• Never discriminate against disabled people in schools, workplaces, and society.
• Assist the disabled in getting basic needs like food, clothing, and housing.
• Help establish special centers for the disabled to meet and share ideas.
• Form associations to fight for the rights of the disabled.
• Ensure access to social services like education, health, water, housing, and electricity.

Responsibilities of Citizens to Refugees

• Provide humanitarian assistance, including food, clothing, and shelter.
• Offer basic social services like water, medical care, and education.
• Prevent refugees from engaging in unlawful acts and destroying the environment.
• Cooperate with the government and NGOs, including the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), in caring for refugees.

Responsibilities of Citizens to HIV/AIDS Victims

• Advise and help HIV/AIDS victims receive counseling and attend clinics.
• Show love, concern, and encourage hope instead of isolating or stigmatizing them.
• Support financially to ensure they get the required diet.
• Visit their homes to reduce boredom and loneliness.

Responsibilities of Citizens to Women

• Abolish oppressive traditions and customs, such as FGM, early marriages, and denial of property inheritance.
• Help women form cooperative groups for meaningful and productive activities.
• Advocate for better transport, communication, water, and health services for women.
• Promote equality between men and women in education, politics, employment, and family roles.

Responsibilities of Society to the Aged

• Provide food, comfortable clothing, and bedding.
• Involve the aged in organizations to reduce loneliness and keep them mentally active.
• Assist in getting medical care and train them to avoid unhealthy habits.
• Educate on the importance of physical exercise and show them love and encouragement.

Responsibilities of Society to Street Children

• Show love and hospitality, providing parental care and basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.
• Support through charities and religious organizations, offering moral guidance and material support.

Responsibilities of Citizens to the Youth

• Advocate for educational system changes to teach self-employment skills.
• Increase opportunities for secondary, technical, and tertiary education.
• Expand the informal sector to provide more employment.
• Help initiate cooperative economic activities and promote sports and games.

Responsibilities of Citizens to Orphans

• Provide basic assistance for school materials, healthcare, and social services.
• Show love and care, offering material and moral support.
• Adopt orphans and ensure they get education and healthcare.

Responsibilities of Citizens to Children

• Ensure access to education, especially free primary education.
• Provide clean water, healthcare, and good manners education.
• Protect from child labor and abuse, and ensure time for play and sports.
• Educate on avoiding dangerous behaviors and the importance of hard work.

Activity 2

Visit a nearby center for a special group and observe:

1. What special group does the center cater to?
2. What are their responsibilities?
3. How can you help these special groups?