Illiterate Parents Research Articles

Econometric Modelling of CGPA and its Associated Factors: A Study of Undergraduate Students of Riphah International University Malakand Campus

This study is conducted to model the CGPA and its associated factors of undergraduate students of Riphah International University Malakand Campus Chakdara Dir lower, Pakistan. The stratified random sampling method is used to identify the students from population. The academic departments are considered as strata. One hundred and eight undergraduate students are selected for taking information from the University. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) Model is used for modelling the CGPA and its associated factors. The MLR model shows that SSC obtained marks, parents’ education, parents’ support and attention in classes is significantly related with obtained CGPA of the students. In terms of policy recommendations, the results of this study present several policies for teachers, parents and administration. Both teachers and administration should focus on attention of students in class. Teachers should prepare interesting and informative lecture that students remain attentive in class. While administration should ensure standard class rooms consist of necessary facilities. Parents should support their children morally, financially and every aspect of life. Teacher and University administration should focus on those students who have illiterate parents. They should play role to guide the students more as their parents is illiterate. Finally, parents should ensure high marks of their children in previous classes that they can perform well in university. This study can be extended to other universities with large sample sizes. Other factors like teacher, environment and administration role can be consider for future study.

Differential fertility, school enrollment, and development

This paper develops a model wherein parents choose the number of children, enroll some children in school at indivisible education costs, and receive supplemental earnings from uneducated children. The model accounts for the positive relationship between enrollment ratios and parental earnings and the N-shaped relationship between fertility and parental earnings in Brazil and Indonesia. When children’s living costs are high (low) relative to education costs and children’s earnings, fertility increases (decreases) with parental earnings due to a dominant income (substitution) effect. A decline in the ratio of child earnings to parental earnings or a rise in education subsidy rates can increase enrollment ratios and decrease fertility. Under progressive income taxes and favorable education subsidies for poor families, educated parents’ fertility could be higher than that of illiterate parents’ when incomes are low. However, the relationship will be reversed partially because of the rising education subsidy.

Educated Parents’ Practice of Child Labour in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Child labour has been observed to be a common practice among illiterates due to poor socio-economic background. Some parents and guardians keep their children in child labour in order to supplement family income. Educated parents who should know the risks involved and enlighten the illiterate parents seem to engage children in hazardous work that directly endangers their health and moral development. This paper examined educated parents’ practice of child labour in Ekiti state. Descriptive survey research design was adopted with a sample of 600 educated parents selected among civil servants working in Local Government Secretariats through multi stage sampling procedure. One research question and three hypotheses were generated for the study. A questionnaire tagged “Educated Parents’ Practice of Child Labour Questionnaire (EPPCLQ)” was used to collect data. The instrument was subjected to screening by experts to ensure validity and reliability was determined through test re-test method that yielded 0.85 reliability coefficients. The study revealed that level of child labour practice among educated parents was moderate, practice of child labour differed based on gender and location of educated parents while the study found no significant difference in educated parents’ practice of child labour based on income. Based on this, it was recommended among others that parents should desist from engaging children in child labour which has been found to be injurious and detrimental to their health and moral development and families need to look for other means of sourcing for income in order to fight poverty and discourage the practice.

THROUGH THE KALEIDOSCOPIC FEATURES OF LIFELONG LEARNING: A MULTI-FACETED EXPLORATION OF FUNCTIONAL ILLITERATE PARENTS’ EXPERIENCES IN MODULAR DISTANCE LEARNING

This multiple case study described functional illiterate parents’ lived experiences in Modular Distance Learning through their struggles, coping mechanisms, and realizations as supervisors of their children’s learning. The data from each of the functional illiterate parents was checked to discover similarities and differences between cases for a more in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. Specifically, this study examined five functional illiterate parents who were purposively chosen in one of the rural areas in General Santos City, Philippines. The findings showed that the key informants struggled with their incapability to supervise learning, emotional stress, difficulty in handling young learners, difficult modules, irresponsible children, and prioritizing other responsibilities. In order to deal with these struggles, their coping mechanisms were calls for assistance, positive thinking, avoiding overthinking, problem avoidance, trusting children’s ability, and parent as a student. Their realizations were modular distance learning is difficult, education is pivotal, parents’ involvement is important, children learn better face-to-face, and children become responsible. The results of the cross-case study revealed that while some emerging themes were carried out by all functionally illiterate parents, others were carried out by specific functionally illiterate parents. Nevertheless, it was found out that all functionally illiterate parents have struggled, learned to cope with the struggles, and gained realizations as surrogate teachers in modular distance learning.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0007/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

The Factors Affecting Female Literacy Rate in Rural Areas of Kech

In the present study, the researchers explored various factors that affected the female literacy rate in rural areas of district Kech. Females are considered to be the first educators of the new generation, and as well as the literacy of females is considered to be a significant symbol for the socio-economic development of any country. However, the nature of the present study was quantitative, and the research type was explanatory and exploratory. The universe of the study was the rural areas of district Kech. And sampling units were the heads of the female primary schools, teachers of female primary schools and parents of the females. Thus, convenience sampling was used to distribute the response, and the data collection tool was a structured questionnaire. The recommended sample was 230. Data were analyzed through SPSS software. The study's findings revealed various factors affecting the female literacy rate in rural areas of district Kech. The factors which affected the female literacy rate were; poor policy implementation, social and cultural norms, shortage of teachers, early age marriage, lack of awareness, parents’ negative attitude, long distance, domestic chores, ghost schools, poverty, lack of facilities, religion misinterpretation, teacher’s absenteeism, lack of infrastructure and buildings, illiterate parents, political interference, the security issue of rural areas. Government should provide basic facilities, better teacher training, technologically equipped classrooms and a school environment for quality education in rural areas of Kech.

A Study of Factors Influencing Delayed Diagnosis in Pediatric Cancers: A Step Towards Better Outcomes-A Cross-sectional Study.

Annually, India contributes to one-fifth of newly diagnosed pediatric cancers worldwide. Poor outcome in India as compared with developed nations is mainly attributed to delayed diagnosis and study of factors influencing delay in diagnosis holds paramount importance in formulating strategies and counter-measures to improve survival. It was a cross-sectional study conducted on children diagnosed with malignancy at a tertiary care hospital. Diagnosis delay was defined and further divided into patient delay and physician delay. Various patient-related factors and socioeconomic factors that could affect diagnosis were studied. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multivariate linear regression. Of 185 patients enrolled, median diagnosis delay, patient delay, and physician delays were 59, 30, and 7 days respectively. Median diagnosis delay was significantly higher in younger children, children of illiterate parents, and low income. Median diagnosis delay in children presenting to a general practitioner (9 [4 to 29] days) was higher than those presenting to a pediatrician (5.5 [2 to 18] days). Sex, occupation of parents, and distance from oncology center did not affect time for diagnosis. We concluded that augmentation of the parent's attitudes, increased awareness, and decentralization of specialized pediatric care to rural areas can significantly reduce mortality from, otherwise, curable malignancies.

RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOMES OF ACUTE LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION IN CHILDREN AGED 2 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS

Background: Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (ALRI) is the leading cause of under-5 childhood morbidity in the world, with nearly 156 million new episodes each year, of which India accounts for a bulk of 43 million. The mortality burden is 1.9 million per year, out of which India accounts for around four hundred thousand deaths per year. Objective: To study the various risk factors, clinical prole and outcome of acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI) in children aged 2 months to 5 years. Methods: 100 ALRI cases fullling WHO criteria for pneumonia, in the age group of 2 month to 5 years were evaluated for potential risk factors, clinical prole and outcome as per a predesigned proforma in a rural medical college. Results: Socio-demographic risk factors like parental illiteracy, overcrowding, partial immunization and low socioeconomic status were potential risk factors. Nutritional risk factors like early and late introduction of complementary foods, anemia and malnutrition were associated with ALRI. Environmental risk factors were use of biomass fuels, inadequate ventilation at home, and lack of separate kitchen. Conclusion: The present study has identied various socio-demographic, nutritional and environmental risk factors for ALRI which can be tackled by effective health education of the community and effective training of peripheral health personnel.

Challenges Faced By an NGO in Retaining Public School Students: A Case Study

The current study investigated the opportunities to overcome the high dropout rate from public schools. One of the public schools, which was transformed into a model school by a prominent NGO of Pakistan, was selected for the collection of data. Realizing the need to get an in-depth knowledge of the issue, qualitative study was conducted. Case study approach was used, observations and interviews were employed. Using semi structured questionnaires, interviews of administration, teachers and students were conducted. Lack of facilities at schools, poverty, illiteracy of parents, absenteeism etc. were found significant challenges in retaining students at school. The situation can be overcome by providing neat and clean environment, spacious classrooms and better furniture, well equipped labs and libraries, high quality sports and art facilities, separate toilet facilities for boys and girls and cafeteria for healthy diet or nutrition.

Determinants of nursing students’ inclination to ethical values: Compassionate love and perceived social support from the family

BackgroundSince professional values and the associated behaviors constitute the basis of practice in nursing, which is a profession based on professional ethics and ethical values, it is important to determine the inclination of nurses and nursing students to ethical values and the associated factors. AimIn this study, it was aimed to determine nursing students’ levels of inclination to ethical values, compassionate love and perceived social support from the family, to examine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, compassionate love and perceived social support from family and inclination to ethical values, and the determining factors affecting the inclination to ethical values. DesignThis is a descriptive relational study. MethodsThe study was conducted with 558 students studying at the faculty of nursing between April-June 2022. The data were collected face-to-face using the Personal Information Form, Inclination to Ethical Values Scale, Compassionate Love Scale, and Scale of Perceived Social Support from Family. ResultsIt was found that there was a positive and significant relationship between compassionate love and perceived social support from the family and the level of inclination to ethical values, and that the mean scores of compassionate love (β = 0.882) and perceived social support from the family (β = 0.623) explained 89.3% of the change in the level of inclination to ethical values. ConclusionsIt was observed that males, freshman students, those with illiterate parents and students who did not take courses on ethics were in the risky group in terms of inclination to ethical values, and that sociodemographic characteristics, compassionate love and perceived social support from the family were the determinants of inclination to ethical values.

The effect of some family characteristics on the relationship between mental symptoms and levels of serum serotonin and salivatory cortisol

Aim: Psychological symptoms (PSs) are also seen in healthy individuals. The aim of this study is to examine some familial features in the relationship between PSs and serum serotonin (5-HT) and salivary cortisol (CTS) levels in healthy subjects. Materials and Method: Sociodemographic data form and psychiatric symptom screening questionnaire (SCL-90-R) were given to 320 healthy individuals (156 males, 164 females) aged 18-65 without any mental illness. Blood and saliva samples were duly taken and evaluated by ELISA method. Informed consent and local ethics committee approval were obtained from the participants before starting the study. Statistical analyzes were done with SPSS 15.0 program. Descriptive statistical data (number, percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum), independent sample t-test, One-way ANOVA test, Pearson Correlation analysis were used in the analyzes. For statistical significance, p<.05 was accetted significant.Results: The mean age of the participants was 29.19±8.41. According to family characteristics, PSs were found to be higher in those whose parents were separated, whose parents had a low educational level, and those with a family history of psychiatric illness. Depressive symptoms were statistically significantly higher in those whose families were separated. Somatization, anxiety, obsessive symptoms, depressive symptoms, hostility and additional symptoms were statistically significantly higher in those with a family history of psychiatric illness. Although it was not statistically significant, the 5-HT levels were highest in those living in an extended family, those whose parents lived together, those whose parents were primary school graduates, and those who did not have a family history of psychiatric disease. CTS levels were statistically significantly higher in those who did not have a family history of psychiatric disease. There was a negative correlation between 5-HT and CTS levels and PSs excluding additional symptoms. There was a positive correlation between 5-HT and CTS levels.Conclusion: It was concluded that familial characteristics have an effect on the relationship between psychological symptoms and serotonin and cortisol levels in healthy individuals, but these characteristics alone are not effective in this relationship. There is a need for studies investigating other stressor factors that are thought to be effective in the relationship between mental symptoms and serotonin and cortisol levels.

Girls’ education in Malawi status report

The report has outlined barriers that affect girls’ education in Malawi and gives the statistical outline of the status of girls’ education in different categories and levels of education for primary and secondary schools. It also touches on the necessity of education, starting with the acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for survival in the fast changing world. The status report portrays the importance of education as if gives an opportunity to develop social skills among learners and especially the girl child. CARE Malawi (2010), emphasizes that Malawi is one of the countries that have keen interest to ensure every girl goes to school. This report explores possible solutions to barriers to girls’ education that affect the girls in a negative way. These are harmful cultural practices, poverty, illiteracy of parents, cost of schooling, distance to school, lack of role models, pregnancy, marriage, gender based violence, lack of interest and lack of proper teaching and learning methods. This report used data from Education Management Information System (EMIS) and other statistics booklets produced with an aim of capturing data on girls’ education. Even though data on girls’ education might be scanty in Malawi, however, this report provides a general picture which is showcasing on how important it is to educate the girl child for a nation as they contribute to the country’s development agenda. It is in this respect that the status report highlights on what is working and what is not working with reference to the policies and strategies on girls’ education in order for stakeholders to discover areas that need further improvement to achieve the intended purpose on the promotion of girls’ education. Although government, development and implementing partners and other stakeholders in the promotion of girls; education are working tirelessly to overcome the known barriers to girls’ education, still girls lag behind in many areas such as in completion and survival rates. There is also limited participation of women and girls in decision making positions for working women. Girls spend very little time in school due to family responsibilities while boys are given ample time to learn. It is therefore recommended that deliberate efforts should be made to give girls a platform to perform better in school, such as provision of bursaries, change rooms, WASH facilities, Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) to address issues of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in schools, communities and the workplace. And to make sure that the campaign on the implementation of the re-admission policy is taken seriously so that drop-outs are given a second chance to access education.

Prevalence of ocular manifestations and related morbidity in severely malnourished children in a tertiary eye care center

Abstract Background: Ocular involvement is relatively common in malnourished children, and the consequences of malnutrition on the eye are frequently more severe during the formative years of life. This is a significant cause of avoidable blindness that has to be addressed with affordable methods. This study aims to determine the nature, extent, and seriousness of ocular manifestations in malnourished children and to evaluate the current prevalence given improving nutritional parameters through increased public awareness, education, and knowledge of vaccination and nutrition. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in the department of ophthalmology of a tertiary eye care center for 1 year. Eye camps were held close by in urban shantytowns. We considered 518 kids between the ages of 6 months and 5 years who lived in those slums. The patient was subjected to a general, systemic, and ocular examination, including a vision and fundus examination. Results: A total of 100 children aged 6 months and 5 years (60 months) who were severely critically malnourished were enrolled and given an eye examination. In this study, 72% of very acutely malnourished children had ocular involvement. Conjunctival pallor was the most general observation in the anterior segment in 179 of the eyes (71.5% of the eyes). Retinal hemorrhage was the most pervasive posterior segment findings in 19 eyes (36.8%). Conclusion: This study is aimed to determine how frequently ocular symptoms occurred in malnourished children who visited tertiary eye care facilities. A vital target population that requires comprehensive screening to avoid vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and detect eye problems early is preschoolers. Every child should also receive an immunization and vitamin A prophylaxis. Low socioeconomic position, illiterate parents, and inadequate sanitation were determined to be the key risk factors for VAD.

Prevalence of anemia and associated factors in a Moroccan population from the Northwestern region of Morocco (M'diq-Fnideq-Martil Prefecture).

anemia remains a major public health challenge worldwide, frequently having multifactorial causes and wide-ranging, largely underestimated repercussions. The purpose of this paper is to assess the prevalence of anemia and identify associated factors in a group of children, adults, and pregnant women. our sample consisted of a total of 1360 volunteers (group I: 410 school-aged children aged 5-11 years; group II: 533 adults aged 16 to 65 years; group III: 417 pregnant women aged 17 to 45 years) randomly selected from different towns of the M'diq-Fnideq prefecture, Morocco from March 2018 to September 2018. Data on socio-demographic, anthropometric, and dietary status were collected from a questionnaire survey. A complete blood count was performed using a hematology analyzer, Sysmex KX21N® (Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan), in the hematology laboratory of the Mohamed VI Hospital of M'diq. anemia was found in 31% of children, 52.4% of adults, and 22.5% of pregnant women. Microcytic hypochromic anemia was the most dominant type of anemia in children, adults, and pregnant women with percentages of 40.6%, 48.7%, and 43.5%, respectively. Mild anemia was much more common than moderate and severe anemia in all groups. Furthermore, anemia was associated with low socioeconomic and educational levels in adults (22.8% versus 27.9%) and pregnant women (18.1% versus 16.8%). Schoolchildren with illiterate parents and low socioeconomic levels are the most affected by anemia, with a prevalence of 75% and 69.44%, respectively. Also, children with insufficient stature are at a high risk for anemia compared to children of normal stature (p<0.001). As for weight for age, the odds ratio (OR) was 4.32. A significant difference between underweight and anemia was revealed (p<0.001). A frequency of meat product, vegetables, and fruit consumption lower than 1.5 times per week increases the risk of anemia in schoolchildren. these findings showed a significant prevalence of anemia in all study groups associated with socioeconomic, anthropometric, and nutritional factors. However, further studies are needed to focus on interventions and etiologies in order to limit potential complications, especially in schoolchildren and pregnant women.

Parental Stress and Coping Mechanisms in Rearing Children with Intellectual Disability: A Study Conducted in Kathmandu

Introduction: The birth of a child with an intellectual disability is the most traumatic event experienced by the parents and their families. The main objective of this study is to identify parental stress and coping in rearing children with intellectual disabilities in Kathmandu valley.&#x0D; Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 222 parents (either mothers or fathers) of children with an intellectual disability visiting nine organizations selected through probability proportionate to size sampling. Data were collected through interview techniques using the Nepali-translated Parental Stress Scale and cope tool developed.&#x0D; Results: Maximum respondents (76.1%) were mothers with an overall mean age of 46.28±12.73 years. The major stress expressed was anxiety-related to a child's future after parents' death (19.8%) and most used coping measure was sharing feelings (44.6%) were expressed as major stress and coping measures used respectively. The overall mean score of parental stress was 64.58±9.22 and parental coping was 106.45±9.72. Maximum respondents have a moderate level of stress (54.5%) followed by severe stress (43.2%) and a moderate level of coping (86.9%) followed by a maximum level of coping (13.1%). There was a significant association of level of stress with relationship to the child, parent’s education, and presence of co-disability in the intellectually disabled child. There was a significant association of level of coping with parents’ education.&#x0D; Conclusion: Maximum respondents had a moderate level of stress and a moderate level of coping mechanisms. Parental stress was high in mothers, illiterate parents, and parents having an intellectually disabled child of 17 years or younger. Parental coping was high among Hindu and literate parents.&#x0D;

The Schooling of Young Indigenous Girls in the School District of Ngo

Education is the basis of all societies. Its aim is to transform undifferentiated beings at birth into beings who are members of societies capable of contributing to their substance and their development. It constitutes a catalyst for the reception of knowledge and seems to be the best shared thing in the world. School has become the preferred environment for Bantu and indigenous children. But indigenous children in particular, girls always drop out of schools temporarily and permanently. This study was carried out in the school district of Ngo in the department of Bateke plateau located 250 km from Brazzaville. Data collection was facilitated by the questionnaire, semi-structured interview, observation and documentary analysis. The results obtained confirm the main hypothesis, according to which there are socio-cultural and economic factors that hinder the schooling of young indigenous girls the main causes: unfavorable living conditions parental illiteracy, solicitation of labor work of indigenous girls, the language of teaching and learning.

Parental Role in Recognition, Prevention and First Aid Management of Foreign Body Aspiration amongst Children

Background: Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a commonly observed, fatal but preventable condition in children. To reduce the incidence of FBA, it is essential to provide parents with knowledge and guidelines regarding the prevention and management of FBA. Objectives: To assess parental knowledge and parental role in the prevention and first aid management of foreign body aspiration in children. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Mayo Hospital, Lahore from January 2019 to September 2019. After IRB approval and informed consent, 151 parents were enrolled through convenient sampling. Data were recorded in a structured questionnaire and analyzed through SPSS version 26. Results: Breathlessness and vomiting were recognized as symptoms of FBA by 49.7% &amp; 7.3% of parents respectively. Hand clutched to throat, color &amp; voice change were recognized as signs by 6.6 %, 9.9 % &amp;10.6 % of the parents. As a first aid measure, 66.2% of individuals knew about back slaps, while only 2% were aware of abdominal thrusts. Literate parents were well aware of the facts that children under the age of three should not consume seeds, hazelnuts, and hard nuts and the child should not laugh or talk while eating compared to illiterate parents (p&lt;0.05) Conclusion: The majority of the parents are not well aware of signs, symptoms, preventive measures and first aid measurements regarding FBA.

Youth’s Poverty and Inequality of Opportunities: Empirical Evidence from Morocco

Youth is an important and critical transition stage towards adulthood, during which time individuals are supposed to prepare in the best possible conditions for adulthood. Moroccan youth are facing unequal opportunities to develop because of the circumstances of their household background and childhood deprivation. This paper measures the level of poverty and the equality of opportunities among Moroccan youth aged 18–29 years utilizing the Human Opportunity Index (HOI). It analyzes poverty from a multidimensional perspective. The findings demonstrate that younger youth are at substantially higher risk of poverty than older young. Poor youth have low educational attainments. The unemployment rate for the non-poor youth is lower than for the poor. Unemployment rates continue to be high for secondary and university graduates, particularly for the poor. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that education deprivation followed by healthcare deprivation is the most prevalent severe deprivation among youth. The results from both the logit regression and the descriptive analyses show that youths of illiterate parents are more likely to have poorer health, drop out of school themselves, and work rather than attend school. Youth in rural areas are least likely to have the opportunity to complete secondary and university education as well as to attend school/university than those in urban areas. Moreover, the decomposition of the total difference of HOI between urban and rural areas into access and equality of opportunities indicates that the differences are mainly due to the coverage effect.

Prevalence and Risk Factors For Intestinal Nematodes Infections among Primary School Children at Kigeme Refugee Camp, Southern Province, Rwanda

Background&#x0D; Intestinal parasitic infections are common in camps of internally displaced people or refugees. Although, much has been done in Rwanda for their control in the general population, little is known about the prevalence among children in refugees’ camps.&#x0D; Objective&#x0D; The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal nematodes infections and associated risk factors among primary school children at Kigeme refugee camp, southern province of Rwanda in 2021.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; A cross sectional study was conducted; a total number of 383 stool samples were collected and examined using formal ether concentration technique.&#x0D; Results&#x0D; Approximately, one out of two participants (48.0%) were found to be infected with at least one intestinal nematode. Ascaris lumbricoides was found to be most prevalent (81%), followed by Trichirus trichiura (7.1%) and hookworm (3.8%). Parental illiteracy was identified as a risk factor, while knowledge on transmission roots of intestinal nematodes was seen as a protective factor.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Family members and parental education in particular is key as far as prevention of intestinal nematodes infections is concerned. Enhancement of public health education about hygiene and sanitation as well as regular mass drug administration could be important in fighting against intestinal parasitic infections.&#x0D; Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2022;5(3):332-339

IMPACT OF PARENT’S LITERACY LEVEL ON THEIR CHILD’S EDUCATION – NEED FOR INTERVENTION

Education has advanced and pervaded all spheres of existence. It was crucial to a nation's improvement, even in terms of its economic standing. Parental involvement in their children's education makes this feasible which requires intervention of their literacy level. Social behaviour and peer pressure of low-literate parents and educational outcomes of students can be influenced by social intervention. This can pave way for a better future of the children. Moreover, illiterate parents confront a number of challenges when attempting to participate in their children's education. The findings of the study point to a variety of effective intervention strategies for boosting parental involvement, including parent and teacher training programmes, schools practicing community based model to involve parents, and decentralization of educational policies.

Effects of Child Labour on School Attendance in Muheza District, Tanzania

The research study investigates the effects of child labour on school attendance in Muheza district, Tanga region in Tanzania. The specific objectives guiding the study were: to explore people’s awareness of child labour, to identify the causes of child labour, and to find out the effects of child labour on school progress. The study employed a mixed approach whereby both qualitative and quantitative data were used. The sample size of this study is 112 respondents. The sample size of this study is 112 respondents through questionnaires and interviews. Interviews and questionnaires were used to collect the data and the data were analysed qualitatively through content analysis and quantitatively analysed with the help of the computer using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and instrument reliability test by using the Spearman-Brown Prophecy technique. The study findings show that poor learning concentration due to stress and fatigue, low-grade performance and missing tests and examinations are among the major effects on children with irregular school attendance. The findings also revealed that dropping out from school and truancy are other effects on students, especially those who engage in child labour. It is also said that some victims engage in crimes in the streets and the girls get early pregnancies due to unplanned engagement in early sexual practices. Apart from that, it was also reported that they are affected in their health and get depressed. The findings on the causes of child labour revealed that poverty of the family and family members was said to be the major cause of children engaging in child labour. Other causes mentioned by the respondents include domestic violence, poor implementation of laws, lack of legal responsibility of parents and school-based violence. Other causes revealed included the death of the parents, illiterate parents, lack of parental care for the children as well as poor school facilities that do not attract the children to stay at school and instead decide to engage in child labour. The respondents declined the fact that traditional practices are among the causes of children engaging in child labour. In light of the presented findings, it was recommended that the parents should be highly engaged in the students learning process. The government should also have statistics that can help to plan for interventions to help those children who are involved in child labour