Socio - Economic Factors Influencing Primary School Education Attainment In Kisarawe District

ABSTRACT

This study was done in Kisarawe District to examine socio-economic factors influencing primary school education attainment. The study concentrated in five villages of Mwanzomgumu, Vikumburu, Marui Mipera, Kauzeni and Sangwe. The study was based on a literature review, focus group discussions and interviews. Data were collected using structured and semi-structured questionnaires plus open and closed questions. A cross-sectional survey method was employed for the study. Five wards were selected out of 15 using random sampling; one village in each ward. Again random sampling method was employed to select pupils at school level while other relevant key informants were purposively sampled to gather their opinions on what they felt contributed to high dropout rates and low attainment of educational goals in the district. These included a sample of out-of school children, primary school teachers Education Officers, NGOs and Village Executives. In addition, snow ball sampling identified dropout children and their parents or guardians using both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Data thus captured were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Services (SPSS) to determine the descriptive statistics indicators such as frequencies, correlations, percentages, etc. In conclusion the findings from this study have revealed that enrolment of pupils is not a problem that hinders education attainment. Major factors hindering the attainment of educational goals include pregnancy, poor income of the parents, illness, long distances from home to school, low level of education of parents and guardians, and poor infrastructure. In conclusion consequently, the study recommends that the communities in the district must undergo changes through community mobilization ii schemes to raise their socio-economic status and prune out poor traditions before meaningful improvement in educational attainment can be realized.