Effectiveness of government policy in combating the dropout problem in secondary schools: the case of Dodoma, Tanzania

The study investigated the effectiveness of government policy in combating dropout problem secondary schools in Tanzania. The main objectives of the study were: to examine the government policy on dropouts in schools; to explore the causes of dropoutand retention of students in schools; and to examine the effectiveness of government policy in addressing the dropout problem in secondary schools. The study was conducted within Dodoma Municipality, in four wards and four secondary schools, namely Huruma, Dodoma, Msalato and Jamhuri. The study involved 25 respondents and adopted generic design, and data were collected through questionnaires; interviews and documentary review. From the results, it was found that anti-dropout policies in schools are available and copies of such policies are disseminated by the Ministry of Education to all stakeholders at regional, district and school levels. The main problem discovered was that ineffective implementation was caused by inadequate parental participation in combating dropouts; lack of sense of responsibility among key stakeholders at school level; communication gap between policy makers and implementers; policies overlap; and conflicting interests among key stakeholders. Also, dropout rates are higher in public than private secondary schools and female students are more affected than boys. Truancy and pregnancy were noted to be the main causes of dropouts. It is recommended that, to combat dropout in secondary school there should be effective cooperation between school heads and teachers; sensitization of parents to play their part effectively; improve teachers remuneration system so as to increase their morale; the DEO for secondary schools should cooperate with WECs; The MoEVT should frequently asses and evaluate the policy implementation process; school administrators should tirelessly educate both male and female students in their respective schools to observe morals and maintain positive relations among themselves; and abstain from irresponsible sex to avoid early unwanted pregnancies.