Browsing by Author "Daud, Simon"

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    The usefulness of vocational education to poverty reduction among its female graduates, a case of Mbeya region
    (2010) Daud, Simon
    Poverty is a global issue; it takes different forms in developed countries and developing countries, in urban and rural areas and between males and females. A productive education has been accepted as the most effective means of combating poverty. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of vocational education on poverty reduction. The study focused on how skills gained from this category of education assists female graduates in improving their own financial positions. The study was conducted at different vocational centers and working fields in four districts of Mbeya region, namely, Mbeya city, Mbeya rural district, Rungwe district and Kyela district. The study included 179 respondents. This figure was comprised of VET-female graduates, instructors in VET-centers and employers of VET female graduates. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews and observation. The collected data was analyzed by using a computer software programmer known as SPS S. The findings reveal that, most females preferred to enroll in Tailoring courses. Also the study found out that vocational education improves graduates' earning capacity. However, it was found that the amount earned was insufficient to support them. The study recommends that, if VET-programmers have to benefit females, its services should be expand to reach females in the rural areas. VETA has to encourage its vocational centers to carry out labor market surveys so as to identify current needs of the labor market to allow immediate employment for graduates. Regarding self-employment, VETA is advised to provide female graduates with basic tools as soon as they graduate a given course. These tools may assist them in starting small scale businesses after graduation.