Stakeholders’ perceptions on the effects of child labour on children access and participation in primary education:

This study investigated the stakeholders’ perceptions on the effects of child labour on children access and participation in primary education, using a study of Kinondoni District in Dar es Salaam. The objectives of the study were to: explore the stakeholders’ knowledge of child labour; find out the factors influencing stakeholders’ perception of child labour, assess the extent to which stakeholders perceptions of child labour influence children access and participation in primary education; examine how children perceive child labour effects in regard to access and participation in primary education.The study applied a qualitative approach employing a case study design. Sample involved 64 stakeholders from four public primary schools. They included Head teachers, teachers, pupils and household heads with children schooling. These respondents were obtained through purposive, stratified random sampling and simple random sampling. Data were collected using semi structured interviews, focus group discussions as well as documentary review and were analysed through content analysis.Research findings revealed that stakeholders had mixed perceptions about child labour and the effects on children access and participation in primary education. All teachers, head teachers, few parents and pupils were opposed to it, while most parents viewed it as a normal way of life that was inevitable. However these perceptions were determined by individual income positions, education status, employment status, family relationships and HIV/AIDS. This means that the persisting problem of child labour is due to the social economic life of the parents/guardians. The study concluded that there is need for stakeholders to change their perceptions towards child labour in order to protect the child right and also to guarantee their brighter future through education attainment. The study recommends that, all stakeholders have to play their part and cooperatively in the provision of education for their children. Education for teachers and parents should be promoted together in encouraging children to stay at school and to understand the different needs of parents and children.