Browsing by Author "Mtauka, Richard Jackson"

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    Reasons for persistence of low enrolment of girls in community secondary schools: a case of Igunga district, Tabora region
    (University of Dar es Slaam, 2011) Mtauka, Richard Jackson
    The study investigated the reasons for persistence of low enrolment of girls in community secondary schools in Igunga District. Specifically, the study investigated how early marriages and parents expectations of bride wealth contribute to low enrolment of girls in secondary schools, the influence of society attitudes and expectations on girls enrolment and the effect of parents socio-economic factors on girls enrolment as well as investigating other factors other than cultural constraints that affect enrolment of girls in community secondary schools. Data for this study were collected from 57 respondents which consisted of parents, heads of schools, students, non-reporting girl students, district secondary education officer and ward executive officer. The methodology of this study drew on qualitative approach based on documentary reviews, interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as data collection techniques. The study findings portrayed several reasons for persistence of low enrolment of girls in community secondary schools. The key reasons were parents negative attitudes towards girls education, early marriages and pregnancies, inability of parents to meet school related expenses for their children, lack of positive policy environment for girls education and walk long distance to and from schools. It is expected that improved parents incomes, sponsorship schemes, advocacy programmes, increased hostel and boarding facilities will increase girls enrolment in community secondary schools. Similarly the creation of simple procedures for return of pregnancy school girls after delivery to the same or alternative schools will improve retention of females in education system. The study recommends that in order to have increased parents’ investment in girls secondary education, they should diversify their sources of income rather than solely depending on agricultural activities. The meagre resources they have should be wisely used to children education without prefential treatments. For further studies it is recommended that similar studies should be conducted in rural districts in the country.