Browsing by Author "Njovu, Veronica"

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    The behaviour of children from single parent families and challenges facing them: a case of Ilala municipality, Dar es Salaam
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2015) Njovu, Veronica
    This study assessed behaviours of children from single parent families and challenges facing them. The study was guided by three specific objectives involving to examine behaviours of children from single parent families, to find out if children from single parent families behave differently from those from intact dual parent families, and to assess the challenges facing children from single parent families. The study was guided by the conceptual framework developed by the researcher and was conducted in 2 primary schools and 2 secondary schools in Ilala Municipality, Dar-es-Salaam region. Multi-stage cluster sampling, simple random sampling, purposive sampling and convenience sampling techniques were used to obtain schools and 84 respondents made up of primary and secondary school students, teachers and single parents. The study used qualitative approach and case study design. Data were collected through interviews and documentary review. The study found that children’s behaviours were greatly affected by single parenting style. The behaviours of children were affected due to parents’ divorce, separation, and death of one parent, being raised by unmarried parents and knowing that they were unplanned pregnancy children. Their behaviours were indicated to include being angry, aggressive, having sadness, developing low self-esteem, being hopeless, developing depression and fear. The study found out that more children from single parent families than from intact dual parent families commited immoral and illegal deeds. It was also found that more frequently the children from single parent families have emotional behaviour and higher rate of being dismissed from schools compared to intact dual parent families’ students. It was found that the single parents’ family style of life affected much the life style of the children. The study found that children from single parent families did not adequately get basic school materials, lacked basic needs at home were overworking, engaging in early sex relationship, using alcohol and drug also had economic hardship. Hence, these led to failure to attend classes. These findings reflect the fact that social economical problems at home lead to social inability for couples to pay school fees and other related charges. Therefore this contributes to students dropping out of school. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training should ensure integration and effective implementation of counselling services in schools through assistance of professional non-teacher counsellors so as to help children from single parent families. More efforts are encouraged to involve more stakeholder ministries in educating the community on solving marital conflicts and handling needy children.