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 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 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 mobilizationiii
schemes to raise their socio-economic status and prune out poor traditions before
meaningful improvement in educational attainment can be realized.
