Comparing Life Chances of Young People in Ireland and Tanzania

The life chances of young people—the opportunities they have for a good quality of life, education, health, and economic success—differ greatly between Ireland, a developed country, and Tanzania, a developing country. These differences are influenced by factors such as access to education, healthcare, economic conditions, and social infrastructure.

1. Education

• Ireland:
  • Education is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, and the majority of young people complete secondary school and have opportunities for higher education.
  • Irish schools are well-funded, and students have access to modern facilities, qualified teachers, and technology.
  • Ireland has a high literacy rate (over 99%), and many students go on to third-level education in universities and colleges, giving them better job prospects.
• Tanzania:
  • Primary education is compulsory, but secondary education is not, and many students do not continue after primary school due to costs, distance, or the need to work and support their families.
  • Resources in Tanzanian schools are often limited, with large class sizes, fewer teachers, and shortages of textbooks and supplies.
  • Literacy rates are lower than in Ireland, and access to higher education is limited, which can impact career opportunities.

2. Healthcare and Wellbeing

• Ireland:
  • Ireland has a well-developed healthcare system, with free or affordable healthcare available to children and young people.
  • Access to vaccinations, regular check-ups, and mental health services are readily available, contributing to high life expectancy and good overall health.
  • Young people in Ireland have lower rates of malnutrition, disease, and infant mortality due to better healthcare infrastructure.
• Tanzania:
  • Healthcare facilities in Tanzania are limited, especially in rural areas. Many families cannot afford private healthcare, and public services are often overstretched.
  • Malnutrition, malaria, and HIV/AIDS are more common in Tanzania, affecting the health and wellbeing of young people.
  • Limited access to healthcare and medicines means higher rates of preventable diseases and lower life expectancy among young Tanzanians.

3. Economic Opportunities

• Ireland:
  • Ireland has a developed economy with job opportunities in technology, finance, education, and healthcare, leading to higher earning potential for young people.
  • Youth unemployment rates are relatively low, and young people can access vocational training and apprenticeships if they do not pursue higher education.
  • Ireland's strong economy provides young people with financial stability, access to housing, and prospects for a good quality of life.
• Tanzania:
  • Tanzania has a largely agricultural economy, and job opportunities for young people are limited, especially outside of urban areas.
  • Many young people work in informal jobs, which are low-paying and lack job security and benefits.
  • High levels of poverty mean that young people face financial insecurity and have fewer opportunities for stable careers, which affects their quality of life.

4. Living Conditions and Infrastructure

• Ireland:
  • Ireland has modern infrastructure, including electricity, clean water, sanitation, and reliable transportation, which improves the standard of living for young people.
  • Young people have access to recreational facilities, cultural events, and public spaces, supporting a high quality of life.
  • Internet access and digital connectivity are widespread, providing more opportunities for learning and development.
• Tanzania:
  • Infrastructure in Tanzania is less developed, especially in rural areas where electricity, clean water, and sanitation may be limited.
  • Many young people lack access to internet and technology, limiting their educational and professional opportunities.
  • Poor infrastructure can lead to challenges in accessing healthcare, education, and employment, impacting life chances.

Summary of Key Differences in Life Chances

Factor	Ireland	Tanzania
Education	High-quality, widely accessible	Limited, especially at secondary level
Healthcare	Comprehensive, accessible	Limited, with higher rates of disease
Economic Opportunities	Diverse job market, higher earning potential	Limited, especially outside cities
Living Conditions	Modern infrastructure, good quality of life	Basic infrastructure in many areas, lower quality of life