Mhagama, Hilda Optuna2016-06-082020-01-082016-06-082020-01-082010Mhagama, H.O (2010) The influence of family background factors on students’ participation in vocational education centers in Songea rural district master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Available at http://41.86.178.3/internetserver3.1.2/detail.aspxhttp://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/3950Available in print formThis study intended to investigate the extent to which issues in the family are or are not influence students participation in Vocational Education Centers of Songea rural district. A conceptual framework for contributing factor was adapted and modified from Bertalanffy (1968) open system model to guide the study. Data were collected from 5 Vocation Education Centers. The sample involved of 106 respondents, which consisted of District Vocational Education Officer, the heads of the center, VECs teachers, students and parents. Data collection methods included documentary review, questionnaire and interview. The study employed qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative data were analyses through content analysis, while quantitative data were presented in table of frequency and percentage.The findings from the study revealed that, the family backgrounds have positive impact on students participation in Vocational Education Centers. It was also revealed that, no straight findings of family education level contribute to the influence of students to participation. Furthermore, it was found that issues in the family like socio-cultural activities, economic status and attitude have positive influence of students participation in vocational education centers.It is recommended that, in order to ensure the good participation of students in VECs in Songea Rural District and in the country in general, the government, Non Government Organization (NGOs) like (CBOs) and other stakeholders should seriously support VECs since it contribute basic knowledge and skills for self employment. Thus the department of Vocational Education and Training should be empowered and endowed with entire mandate. It should be provided with sufficient resources like finance and other materials to reach their goals of educating youth in non formal education.enVocational educationStudent participationSongea Rural districtTanzaniaThe influence of family background factors on students’ participation in vocational education centers in Songea rural districtThesis