Exploring The Influence Of Cultural Factors On Primary School Pupils’ Drop Out In Tanzania: A Case Of Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region

ABSTRACT

This study explored the influence of cultural factors on the primary schools pupils‟

drop out in Mpwapwa District, in Dodoma Region. The study is mainly qualitative

with some elements of quantitative approach. It was guided by Ecological System

theory developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner in 1979. Data were collected through

interviews, questionnaires and documentary review. The cross section research

design was used to guide the study. Samples were drawn using simple random and

purposive sampling to select the 183 of respondents, 120 Pupils, 46 ECT, 5 AT, 5

HT, 4 WEOs, 3 DEAO, QT and DEO. The data collected were analyzed through

Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22 and thematic analysis

Analysis of the data generated revealed that cultural factors, including early

marriages, early pregnancies, and child labour led to drop out among primary school

pupils. On the other hand, it was revealed that parents tend to force their pupils from

schooling system as they claim that they are incapable of supplying them with the

school needs including the learning materials, uniforms just to mention a few.

The study recommended some strategies to reduce cultural factors on primary school

pupils‟ drop out. These factors are such as the introduction of school feeding

programme, enacting strictly rules, laws and regulations to be adhered by parents

who by any means contribute to their pupils school dropout at the early ages of

studies. Also, the study recommended that pupils should be educated about

identifying and reporting immediately when they are indicators of violation of

human rights which threaten the development of children in schooling system.