Browsing by Author "Mallya, Jane Augustine"

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    Analysis of school and community cooperation in overcoming truancy in community secondary schools in kinondoni district
    (University of Dar es Salaam,, 2012) Mallya, Jane Augustine
    This study examined the role played by community secondary school authorities and the community in abolishing the problem of truancy in community secondary schools. Specifically, the study examined the nature, magnitude and patterns of truancy problem among secondary schools’ students in Kinondoni district. It also analyzed parents’, teachers’ and students’ views on the influence of social-economic circumstances on truancy, the role played by school authority and school community in overcoming truancy and the challenges encountered in combating truancy. Both qualitative and quantitative design approaches were employed for the study, where by purposive and random sampling technique procedures were used to select a sample of 119 participants. Six community secondary schools located in Kinondoni rural were involved. Questionnaires, interviews, documentary review and Focus group discussions were used in data collection. Findings revealed that most of secondary schools experienced daily, weekly and monthly truancy. Students selected specific periods to attend and quitted others before the end of school hours especially on Fridays. Boys had higher prevalence than girls. Distance to school, transport problems, physical punishments, hunger, school contribution burdens, shortage of teachers, illness, lack of parental control, lack of cooperation from teachers, private tuition and presence of playing stations were key factors behind truancy in schools. School authorities monitored student’s attendance on daily basis during class hours, calling roll calls during assembly, administering punishments, suspensions, expel from school, and communication with parents through parents meetings. Overall, there was limited cooperation among schools and community members on student’s problems. A number of students roamed around the streets during school hours, playing games and watching videos in the libraries, bars, and playing pool table. No action was taken because such centers were owned by community members who benefited from truants. Challenges such as lack of cooperation between teachers, parents, community members and community leadership, transport problem, and teacher’s absenteeism, seriously affected students’ attendance in schools. The study recommended that the government should strengthen the enforcement of the existing compulsory school attendance regulations. The Ministry of Education and Vocational Training should allocate students to schools which are closer to their residences. Lastly, schools should improve teaching and learning facilities, and establish a system of providing meals to students to improve school attendance.