The effects of parents’ and students’ alcoholism on secondary education development in ileje district, Tanzania

This study determined the effects of parents’ and students’ alcoholism on educational development in Ileje district, Tanzania. More specifically, the study was aimed at achieving the following objectives: First, to determine factors that led to drinking behavior among secondary school students in Ileje district. Second, establish the extent to which alcoholism among parents has affected enrolment, progress, and academic performance of students in Ileje district. Third, was to establish the extent to which alcoholism has affected enrolment, progression, and performance of students in Ileje secondary schools. Finally, was to establish ways to mitigate the effects of alcoholism on education development in secondary schools in Ileje district, Tanzania. The study applied a qualitative approach to data collection and analysis. It also deployed multiple case study design was conducted in Ileje district where three wards such as Malangali, Chitete, and Itumba were selected as study areas. The study used in-depth interviews and focused group discussions, observations, documentary review, and mobile communication to collect data in line with the research objectives. The study population were students, teachers, Heads and/or Assistant Heads of school, medical doctors/officers, and ward executive officers. In all, a total of 92 respondents took part in the study participants. Purposive sampling technique was used to select participant of the study. The qualitative information collected was subjected to content analysis. The study established that alcoholism remains a major impediment to education development in Ileje district. Drinking behavior among students has been influenced by people and surrounding environments. Alcoholism was found to have adverse effects on education among alcoholic students or those from alcoholic parents and/or guardians. To solve the problem, the study recommends the provision of education on alcoholism and its effects on education development. Also, teaching and living upright, exemplary and morally lives among all community members is vital to mitigate the effects of the drinking behavior among secondary school students. It is concluded that alcoholism is a problem for secondary school students that exist in Ileje district. The problem has been the source for psychological, social and economic problems which have undermined education development to large extent. It is recommended that community members including parents, non-governmental organization, and faith based organization, and policy-makers need to co-operate to set up an effective strategy to combat the problem. Also, more studies related to effects of alcoholism on secondary education to wider area and population is crucial for generalization.