Formal Education Research Articles

Usage of soybean waste recycling among rural farmers in Kwara state, Nigeria

This study assesses the usage of soybean waste recycling among rural farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to examine the soybean farmer’s level of awareness on soybean waste recycling and identify the level of usage of soybean waste recycling in the study area. Data were collected through interview schedule and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics such as Frequency, Percentage, Mean, Standard Deviation and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The findings of the study were that: The mean age of the respondents was 43.51 years. Most of the respondents (62%) were males, (80.9%) married, (75.1%) had formal education with an average household size of 6 persons and 16.37 years of farming experience. All (100%) of the respondents indicated awareness of soybean waste recycling and no respondent indicated unawareness. The analysis conducted on the level of usage of soybean waste recycling in the study area shows that majority (65%) had a moderate usage of soybean waste recycling. This study recommends promoting the usefulness of soybean waste to farmers. Additionally, this study suggests establishing partnerships between agricultural institutions and farmers to facilitate the adoption of soybean waste utilization practices.

Assessment of Community Radio Social Impact in Tanzania

Purpose: This paper assessed social impacts of three community radio stations located in three different social-economic zones in Tanzania namely, Kilosa in the Eastern Zone, Karagwe in the Lake Victoria Zone and Orkonerei Community Radio (ORS) in the Northern Zone. 
 Methodology: The study used cross sectional design whereby data were collected at one point in time. Purposive sampling methods were used to obtain 585 (48% female) respondents based on whether the area was well covered by community radio broadcasts or otherwise.  Data were collected interview schedule, in-depth interview of key informants, systematic observations and focus group discussions. Key informants included community radio management and journalists working in the community radios. As for focus group discussions, four discussions were held (two in each community radio) with a total of 40 respondents. 
 Findings: The study found that 51% of the respondents viewed community radio stations as enhanced access to information (news, current affairs and educational informational). On popularity, the study found that on average, community radios were more popular with local audience than other radio stations. This was due to broadcasting local contents. An analysis of sex and education levels of people who preferred community radio showed that 53.4% were men and 46.5% were women. As for education levels, 57% of those who preferred community radio broadcast had primary education followed by those without formal education at 24%. However, contrary to the theory of community radio which asserts that community radios focus on local social economic development, the study found that the most dominant theme was music and general entertainment.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study found that community radio stations have enhanced information flow (news, current affairs and education). They are also most popular with local audience compared to other radios. This indicates that if tailored to address contemporary local development issues, community radio can have huge impact. However, the study found that, the most dominant themes in studied stations was music and general entertainment. This is contrary to the theory asserting that community radio should focus on local social development issues. This calls for further investigation on circumstances leading community radios deviation from the popular theory.

The Impact of Formal Education, Specialized Training, and Offense Type on Perceptions of Employability: Can Bias Toward Hiring a Person With a Criminal History Be Mitigated?

Though hesitations to hire formerly incarcerated individuals are often related to assumptions about a person's dangerousness, there remain legitimate reasons, such as limited formal education and basic skills, that prevent returning residents from finding work. Previous research suggests that hiring decisions are confounded by offense type, even if an employer would otherwise consider a person with a criminal history. Thus, it is unclear whether returning residents' level of education or training can mitigate barriers related to their offense history. Using hypothetical case vignettes of a formerly incarcerated job applicant, this study examined whether hiring decisions were influenced by education and offense type. A between-subjects design with a sample of 223 individuals recruited via MTurk was conducted. Results of this study were largely consistent with prior research suggesting that criminal history presents an obstacle when trying to obtain employment. Implications and future directions are provided in the discussion.

Treatment Nonadherence among Multimorbid Chronic Disease Patients: Evidence from 3515 Subjects in Indonesia

Background and Objectives: Multimorbid patients require intensive treatment for their diseases. However, little research has been given to their treatment adherence as part of its management. This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of chronic disease multimorbidity in Indonesia, alongside its treatment nonadherence. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the fifth Indonesian Family Life Survey database among adult subjects aged ≥ 15 years with multimorbidity. Our descriptive and multivariate analyses include sex, age, formal education, ethnicity, geographic residence, demographic residence, household size, insurance ownership, annual income, current self-perceived health status, missing active days, smoking behavior, and body mass index. Results: We identified 3515 multimorbid patients, constituting 30.8% prevalence across chronic disease patients. Hypertension was found to be a prevalent component of multimorbidity (61.2%), followed by digestive diseases (44.5%) and arthritis (30.3%). We identified that 36.4% of the subjects were nonadherent to their chronic disease treatment. Characteristics associated with nonadherence were found to be a good self-perception of health (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.54–2.08), active smoking behavior (aOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.14–1.99), no smoking behavior (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08–1.90), missing seven active/productive days or less in the past month due to poor health (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.10–1.68), no insurance ownership (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.39), age of 15–65 years (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01–1.55), income below IDR 40 million (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04–1.46), and household size of 2–6 people (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01–1.36). Conclusions: While the prevalence of multimorbidity in Indonesia is generally similar to that observed in previous studies, we have identified patient characteristics related to nonadherence. We suggest that patient’s nonadherence was primarily dictated by their self-perception of health and treatment complexity. With the longstanding issue of nonadherence, this study indicated the need to consider creating patient-tailored treatment programs in clinical practice to improve adherence by considering individual patients’ characteristics.

Utilising Creative Storytelling to Raise 6th-Grade Primary School Students’ Awareness About Children’s Rights

Education for the Children’s Rights has been developed for formal and non-formal education, utilising diverse pedagogical methodologies for Primary Education. Creative Storytelling supports students in externalising and communicating their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through their stories, actively participating in each other worlds via empathy, freeing them from their real and stressful action environment. Thus, in this case study, a creative storytelling teaching scenario based on the Hero’s Journey is proposed to contribute to 6th-grade Greek Primary School students’ learning about Children’s Rights and the dual role of child labour as a cause and consequence for school dropout. The results from the mixed research methodology suggested that raising awareness was successful and the students managed to create stories advancing their knowledge and awareness about Children’s Rights Education. However, the case study and the number of students are limited; more research is needed for results generalizability and validity.

Leadership Education and Development: An Exploration of Australian Academic Educators’ Perceptions of Leadership Education for Health and Human Service Sector Leaders

The purpose of this study was to explore the nature of postgraduate leadership courses and programs offered by Australian Higher Education Institutions for leaders and potential leaders in the Health & Human Service (H&HS) sector including structure, content, and teaching practices from the perspective of educators. Ten educators from a range of institutions were interviewed. Interview data was coded and analyzed using Inductive Content Analysis. Six global categories represent the broad range of experiences and perspectives of participants in this study. Findings demonstrate formal education has the potential to positively impact the development of leaders in the H&HS sector.

Determinants of obstructed labour and associated outcomes in 54 referral hospitals in Nigeria.

To estimate the prevalence of obstructed labour, associated risk factors and outcomes across a network of referral hospitals in Nigeria. Retrospective observational study. A total of 54 referral-level hospitals across the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria. Pregnant women who were diagnosed with obstructed labour during childbirth and subsequently underwent an emergency caesarean section between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020. Secondary analysis of routine maternity care data sets. Random-effects multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain the factors associated with obstructed labour. Risk factors for obstructed labour and related postpartum complications, including intrapartum stillbirth, maternal death, uterine rupture, postpartum haemorrhage and sepsis. Obstructed labour was diagnosed in 1186 (1.7%) women. Among these women, 31 (2.6%) cases resulted in maternal death and 199 (16.8%) cases resulted in postpartum complications. Women under 20 years of age (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.50-2.75), who lacked formal education (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.55-2.30), were unemployed (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.57-2.41), were nulliparous (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.83-2.43), did not receive antenatal care (OR 3.34, 95% CI 2.53-4.41) or received antenatal care in an informal healthcare setting (OR 8.18, 95% CI 4.41-15.14) were more likely to experience obstructed labour. Ineffective referral systems were identified as a major contributor to maternal death. Modifiable factors contributing to the prevalence of obstructed labour and associated adverse outcomes in Nigeria can be addressed through targeted policies and clinical interventions.

Near vision impairment and effective refractive error coverage for near vision in Andhra Pradesh, India – The Akividu Visual Impairment Study (AVIS)

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Near Vision Impairment (NVI) is common in developing countries. A substantial proportion of NVI can be addressed by providing spectacles. Innovative eye care programmes are needed to address NVI. Population-based epidemiological studies can provide vital data to plan such eye care service delivery models. Background To report the prevalence of NVI and effective Refractive Error Coverage (eREC) for near vision in West Godavari and Krishna districts in Andhra Pradesh, south India. Methods A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out using a Rapid Assessment of Visual Impairment methodology. Presenting and pinhole distance visual acuity were assessed followed by near vision assessment using a N notation chart at a fixed distance of 40 cm. If the presenting near vision was worse than N8, the best corrected near visual acuity was recorded with age appropriate near vision correction. NVI was defined as presenting near vision worse than N8 among those without distance vision impairment (6/18 or better in the better eye). Effective Refractive Error Coverage for near was calculated as the proportion of individuals with an adequate correction to the total participants, including those with inadequate, adequate, and no correction for near vision. Results Data of 2,228 participants aged ≥40 years were analysed. The mean age of these participants was 54.0 ± 10.4 years; 53.8% were women; 44.5% had no formal education. The prevalence of NVI was 27.1% (95% CI: 25.2–29.0%). NVI significantly associated with 70 and above age group (adjusted OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.45-3.70). Participants with formal education had lower odds for NVI (adjusted OR: 0.75; 95 % CI: 0.68-0.83). The eREC for near vision was 48.0%. Conclusion NVI affects over a quarter of people aged ≥40 years in the West Godavari and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh. However, eREC is under 50% and there is scope for improving this by establishing eye care services to achieve universal eye health for all.

Antibiotics Used in Food Animals: A review

Veterinary medications, particularly antibiotics, are crucial elements in the manufacturing of animal feed. Typically, antibiotics are mostly employed in animals for the purpose of treating and preventing infections, as well as promoting growth. The utilization of antibiotics in animals can lead to the presence of antibiotic residues in food products, including milk, eggs, and meat. It is possible for these residues to cause a lot of bad things, like the spread of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics to humans, immune system problems, allergies, and even cancer (with sulphamethazine, and other drugs). The most harmful consequence of residual drugs is the transfer of resistant antibiotic germs to individuals, aided by the mobility traits of resistance. Controlling the consumption of antibiotics in cattle is imperative in order to mitigate these detrimental effects. The issue should be communicated to individuals and local protocols through formal education. This review will discuss the use of antibiotics in food products and their effects on the health of people.

Reclaiming the Future: Waiting, Resistance, and Expectations in Myanmar’s Post-Coup University Boycotts

University boycotts have been used by students to champion change and challenge oppressive systems around the world. This article focuses on the boycotts carried out by university students in Myanmar to support teachers participating in the civil disobedience movement sparked by the military coup of February 2021. Based on 15 months of remote research in 2021–2022, this article demonstrates that by putting their formal education on hold, university students have employed “waiting” as a form of resistance against the military regime. It also shows that university students’ commitment to resistance through boycotts threatens to compromise their academic progress and career prospects, prompting some to reconsider their tactics in the face of limited international support and prolonged military rule. In so doing, this article highlights how waiting can be a widely shared yet isolating experience, and adds to the understanding of how resistance evolves in response to the uncertainties and challenges imposed by the military state, examining individual decisions within the broader context of collective resistance by university students in Myanmar.

Screening for dementia and associated factors in older adults from low socioeconomic communities in iLembe, KwaZulu-Natal

Background: Dementia is one of the leading non-communicable causes of disability and mortality in older adults, with recent research showing that it is increasing in low-middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. As such, multidisciplinary efforts are needed to effectively reduce the prevalence and risk of dementia through quick screening, diagnosis, and management of those with dementia and those at risk.Aim: The study’s objectives were to estimate the prevalence of dementia and measure the sociodemographic and clinical risks in older adults in low socioeconomic communities.Setting: The study was conducted among older adults aged ≥ 60 years from the iLembe district in South Africa.Methods: This cross-sectional, one-phased, household study was conducted to screen for dementia over 8 months between October 2018 and October 2019. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. In addition, the Mini-Mental Status Exam, Ascertain Dementia Eight-item questionnaire and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale were administered to a multi-stage cluster sample of 320 participants to ascertain dementia prevalence. Frequencies and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to determine risk factors correlated with dementia.Results: The prevalence of dementia was 13.4%. Participants aged 80 years and above were 2.73 times more likely to develop dementia than participants younger than 80 years. Those with an education level of Grade 1–7 had a 69% less chance of developing dementia than those without formal education. Single participants showed an almost seven-fold increase in dementia. Lastly, depression increased the risk of dementia by two-fold.Conclusion: Dementia was probable in over one-sixth of the sample. Dementia risk factors were both modifiable and non-modifiable.Contribution: Dementia prevalence in South Africa is increasing and therefore it is crucial to develop a dementia plan that is specific to the South African context which will include strategies for early identification of the disease, reducing modifiable risks and strategic management of dementia associated medical conditions such as depression and vascular diseases.

Apprenticeship Reforms in West Africa: An Outcome-Process Evaluation of a Pilot Dual Training Model-Based Apprenticeship Reform Scheme in Ghana

Context: Faced with deep challenges with access to formal education, many West African countries are increasingly taking steps to reform their informal apprenticeship systems to make them a quality skills development alternative for their teeming youth. A review of the literature shows that although different countries in the region are deploying different reform strategies, what is emerging as a dominant reform model is the "dual training model" (DTM), a collaborative arrangement in which the task of training apprentices is shared between informal trainers (master craftspersons, under their respective trade associations) and formal vocational training institutions (FVTIs). This paper presents an outcome-process evaluation of a DTM-based apprenticeship reform programme piloted in Ghana.  Methods: Designed as a case study, the paper adopts an interpretivist approach, relying on diverse sources of data, both secondary and primary. Secondary data includes journal articles, attendance registers of participants, memorandums of understanding, relevant media reports, websites, and official reports by all relevant actors. The primary data originated from in-depth interviews with fourteen (14) key informants, as well as from overt and covert observations of respondents.  Results: At the outcome level, the paper shows that the programme has largely failed in transferring new skills or in changing dominant poor practices among trainees, foundational objectives of the programme. At the process level, the paper revealed deep flaws in implementation; these are discussed in detail in an attempt to clarify the programme outcomes.  Conclusion: The paper concludes that although the dual training model remains a potentially viable reform model in informal apprenticeships, its success ultimately depends on the quality of implementation, which in turn depends on the strength and quality of inter-stakeholder collaboration in programme design and implementation. 

Population-based assessment of awareness of diabetes and diabetes related eye diseases in rural areas in Telangana, India – implications for eye health promotion

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Understanding the awareness level of diabetes and diabetes-related eye diseases will help in developing better eye health education programmes and improve health-seeking behaviour in the community. Background Diabetes and diabetes related eye diseases are increasing in numbers both in urban and rural areas in India. There are limited data on awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related eye disease in rural communities of India. This study reports on awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related eye diseases in people aged ≥40 years from two rural districts of Telangana, India. Methods A structured questionnaire was used to determine the awareness of diabetes and diabetes-related eye diseases among participants aged ≥40 years in the Khammam and Warangal districts of Telangana, India. Social investigators visited the participant’s households and conducted the interviews. A positive response to a question on having heard about diabetes was considered as ‘awareness’. For those aware, follow-up questions were asked about the effect of diabetes on vision, frequency of eye examination and source of information. A positive response on a question that diabetes could cause loss of vision was considered as awareness of diabetic eye disease. Results A total of 3273 participants were interviewed. Among them, 56.2% (n = 1840) were women, 60.6% (n = 1985) had no formal education, and 50.2% (n = 1645) were from the Khammam district. The mean age of the participants was 55.3 years (standard deviation: 11.7 years). Awareness of diabetes was 52.5% (n = 1719). Among them, 1056 participants (61.4%) were aware that diabetes could affect vision. Conclusion Only half of the participants were aware of diabetes and of this substantial proportion of individuals was unaware of potential vision loss due to diabetes. Improving awareness about diabetes and its impact on vision is recommended to prevent potential vision loss in this population.

Sexualita jako riziko? Sexuální výchova v českých kurikulárních dokumentech

Formal sex education and its implementation in education have been increasingly debated in recent years. In the Czech Republic, the area came to the centre of public policy interest in early 2023, when, in response to several sexual harassment cases, former Minister of Education, Mr. Balaš, expressed the need to strengthen sex education in schools. With the ongoing revision of the national Framework Educational Programme and the awareness of the lack of research coverage in this area, we consider it appropriate to look at how sex education is framed in institutional documents in the Czech Republic today. We conduct a qualitative analysis of the Recommendation of the Ministry of Education for the Implementation of Sexuality Education in Primary Schools, selected school education programmes and minimum prevention programmes. We compare these with the principles, rationale and topics articulated in the Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe, which were developed to support the implementation of holistic sexuality education. We point out significant differences in the conceptualisation of the Czech documents, particularly the normative, biologizing and risk-oriented sex education. We see the untold potential for a quality approach to sex education, which takes into account the sexual subjectivity and uniqueness of adolescents’ experience and the interactive nature of sexuality, which the Standards for Sexuality Education in Europe emphasize, in the areas of Education for Citizenship, Ethics Education or in Social and Personal Development.

Willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccines, associated factors and reasons for not taking a vaccine: a cross sectional study among persons aged 13–80 years in Wakiso, Central Uganda

BackgroundVaccination has been recommended as one of the approaches for the control of COVID-19 pandemic. However, adequate vaccine coverage is critical to the effectiveness of the vaccine at population level. Data on acceptability of the vaccine in Ugandan urban areas are limited. This study examined the prevalence, factors associated with willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccine including reasons for not taking COVID-19 vaccine in a predominantly urban population of Wakiso, central Uganda.MethodsData were obtained from a cross-sectional study conducted between March 1st, 2021 and September 30th, 2021 in the urban population-based cohort of the Africa Medical and behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO). A Multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals of willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine.ResultsA total of 1,903 participants were enrolled in this study; 61% of whom were females. About 63% of participants indicated their willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Persons aged 13–19 years (aPR = 0.79; [95% CI: 0.74, 0.84]) or 20-29years (aPR = 0.93; [95% CI: 0.88, 0.98]) were less likely to accept the vaccine compared to persons aged 40–49 years. Persons with post-primary level of education (aPR = 1.05; [95% CI: 1.02, 1.09]) were more likely to accept the vaccine compared to persons with primary level of education. Additionally, students or individuals working in government (aPR = 1.13; [95% CI: 1.04, 1.23]) were more likely to accept the vaccine compared to individuals doing construction and Mechanic work as their main occupation. Reported reasons for not taking a COVID-19 vaccine included; concerns about side effects of the vaccine 154(57.0%), 64(23.7%) did not think the vaccines were effective, while 32(11.9%) did not like the vaccines.ConclusionA substantial proportion of individuals were not willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Health education campaigns on vaccination within urban communities could help reduce COVID-19 vaccine misconceptions in the urban populations more especially the young and persons with low levels of formal education.

Need Assessment of Education Management According to Sub-District Non-Formal and Informal Education Centre Standards for Excellence

This study aims to study the Current Conditions, Desirable Conditions, and Necessary Needs of Educational Management according to standards for Excellence of Sub – District Non – Formal and Informal Education Centre. And to study educational management guidelines according to the Sub – District Non – Formal and Informal Education Centre Standards for Excellence. There were two steps: Step 1: Study the Current Conditions, Desirable Conditions, and Needs of educational management standards of Sub – District Non – Formal and Informal Education Centre Standards for Excellence. The sample consisted of 40 school administrators and 328 of the heads of Sub – District Non – Formal and Informal Education Centre, a total of 368 attended in the academic year 2022 using Multi-stage Random Sampling. Step 2: Study the standard educational management guidelines. The informants are qualified by studying best practices from five Models of Sub – District Non – Formal and Informal Education Centres, two persons, totaling ten people, by specific sampling. The research instruments: 1) The Current Conditions and Desirable Conditions Questionnaire following educational management according to standards for Excellence of Sub–District Non–Formal and Informal Education Centre, a 5-level rating scale. 2) Semi-structured interview 3) The Educational Management Approach Assessment Form is a 5-level estimation scale with statistics used to analyze the data, including mean, standard deviation, priority sorting of PNImodified data, and content analysis. The results showed that 1) the current condition as a whole and in terms of study is at a high level; Overall desirable conditions are at the highest level. One aspect is at the highest level: six are at the highest level. Considering the necessary needs, it found that the needs of educational management according to the standards. There is a need to develop all seven areas as follows Organizational Leadership, Strategic Planning, Learner and Stakeholder Focus, Knowledge Analysis and Management Measurement, Processing Management, and Personnel Focus. 2) the suggestions were seven aspects and 135 approaches as follows Workshops, Learning from other people, Brainstorming, Operating Integration, Mentoring, and Learning from successful organizations.

Health-related quality of life among adult patients with cancer in Uganda – a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objectives The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with poor health-related quality of life in adults with cancer in Uganda. Methods This cross-sectional study surveyed 385 adult patients (95% response rate) with various cancers at a specialised oncology facility in Uganda. Health-related quality of life was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 in the Luganda and English languages. Predetermined validated clinical thresholds were applied to the instrument in order to identify patients with poor health-related quality of life, that is, functional impairments or symptoms warranting concern. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with poor health-related quality of life in six subscales: Physical Function, Role Function, Emotional Function, Social Function, Pain and Fatigue. Results The mean age of the patients was 48 years. The majority self-reported poor functioning ranging between 61% (Emotional Function) to 79% (Physical Function) and symptoms (Fatigue 63%, Pain 80%) at clinically concerning levels. These patients were more likely to be older, without formal education and not currently working. Being an inpatient at the facility and being diagnosed with cervical cancer or leukaemia was a predictor of poor health-related quality of life. Conclusion Improvement of cancer care in East Africa requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses various challenges specific to the region. Such strategies include investment in healthcare infrastructure, for example, clinical guidelines to improve pain management, and patient education and support services.

Pesantren Resistance to Indonesia's National Curriculum to Defend Its Curriculum Model

Purpose: This article explores the challenges faced by pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) in Indonesia in reconciling the national curriculum with their traditional religious education while preserving their identity.   Methods: The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing multiple case studies conducted in two pesantren in Indonesia. The study involved observations, interviews, and documentation collected from January to December 2023.   Result and Conclusion: The findings reveal a contestation between the national curriculum and the curriculum offered by pesantren. While many pesantren have integrated formal education, they exhibit resistance by focusing on Islamic teachings and values. Pesantren often modify the national curriculum to align with their religious identity. This study underscores the complexity of integrating formal education with pesantren's values and emphasizes the necessity of an inclusive approach from the government to ensure the relevance of education. Furthermore, it highlights pesantren's resistance to the dominance of the national curriculum, reflecting tensions between the government's modernization agenda and the traditional values upheld by pesantren.   Research Implications: This research contributes to understanding the dynamics between formal education and traditional Islamic education within Indonesia's pesantren context. It sheds light on the challenges pesantren face in maintaining their identity while conforming to national educational standards. The findings have implications for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders involved in shaping the educational landscape of Indonesia.   Originality/ Value: This study offers original insights into the interaction between the national curriculum and pesantren's curriculum, which have not been extensively explored in existing literature. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of educational dynamics in Indonesia by examining pesantren's responses to government policies and state control. Additionally, it underscores the significance of preserving the unique identity of pesantren amidst efforts to modernize the educational system.

Formalųjį švietimą papildančio muzikinio ugdymo proceso kokybės tobulinimas taikant savivaldų mokymąsi: atvejo analizė

Music education, which complements formal education, is, in the essence of the realization of its educational process, close to the essence of the self-directed learning process, therefore there are theoretical and practical possibilities for the realization of self-directed learning in a music school. The application of self-directed learning redistributes the power and responsibilities of the participants of the educational process, therefore opportune preconditions are created for the change of the interaction between the pupil and the educator and for the transition from teaching to learning. Therefore, the provision is observed that the implementation of self-directed learning in educational practice changes the quality of the educational process. The article analyzes how the self-directed learning, established in the educational process of a specific music education institution (music school) that complements formal education changes the interaction between the pupil and the educator, what circumstances are significant, what are the links with the quality of the educational process. The analysis of the results of the empirical research allows us to state that teachers understand self-directed learning and its importance theoretically, but teaching itself has not become a natural strategy for organizing the educational process; fragmentary features of pupils’ self-direction are seen, positions of learning power are more characteristic of teachers than pupils.

Why democracy fails in Africa

AbstractOftentimes, we have been informed that democracy is the best form of government possible. In African politics, this view has mostly been adopted and pursued as true. Surprisingly, democracy has mostly failed as a system in most parts of the continent—with most democratic governments undermining the mandates of the citizens who are supposed to have placed them in power, and also escalating the already spiralling decline of the continent through bad leadership and corruption. In this article, and with Nigeria as the primary case study, I offer explanations regarding why democracy fails in most African countries. Specifically, I argue that mass miseducation and false self‐interestedness are the main culprits that limit the success of democracy in Africa. I further propose that democracy in Africa can only be salvaged when there is proper moral ideology guiding the informal education of citizens, when citizens are offered proper quality formal education that would grant them the necessary skills and aid them to make informed decisions, and when citizens take a turn from false self‐interestedness to true self‐interestedness (which is fealty to collective interests).