The Influence of Child Labour on Academic Achievement of Primary School Pupils in Suba and Homa-Bay Districts, Kenya

Susan Nduta Ligeve,Dr Moses W Poipoi

doi:10.5296/ijld.v2i4.2214

Abstract

This causal-comparative study investigated the effects of child labour on academic achievement of primary school pupils in Suba and Homa-Bay districts in Kenya. The participants of this study were Class 7 pupils drawn from 12 schools in these two districts. A total of 333 pupils that is, 171 boys and 162 girls participated in the study. The academic achievement scores, which were extracted from the schools’ end-term examination records, were used to compare the participants on the dependent variable. The results of this study showed that pupils who were involved in child labour had a significantly lower academic achievement mean score than those not involved. The results also indicated that boys not involved had a significantly higher academic achievement mean score than girls not involved. Furthermore, boys involved in child labour activities had a significantly higher academic mean score than girls involved in child labour activities. It was concluded that there were child labour and gender effects on academic achievement of primary school pupils in Suba and Homa Bay districts. This study recommends that school pupils should not engage in fishing activities. Key Words; Child labour, Academic Achievement, Gender

Highlights

Child labour is a global problem, and its elimination is being called for in the world
The results of this study showed that pupils who were involved in child labour had a significantly lower academic achievement mean score than those not involved
The first null hypothesis tested in this study was derived from the first research hypothesis. This null hypothesis stated that there was no significant difference in academic achievement between pupils who were involved and those who were not involved in fishing activities

Summary

Introduction

Child labour is a global problem, and its elimination is being called for in the world. According to a recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) report, it was estimated that there are 250 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 years working in Developing countries – 120 million are working full time while 130 million are working part time (Chakravarthi, 1997, January 26). These children are involved in such activities like picking coffee or tea regardless of whether it is a school term or holiday (Staff, 2000, October 30). Bequele and Boyden (as cited in Gugler & Gilbert 1992) reports that many children work for excessively long hours and do not receive adequate nutrition, health care, and education

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion