Out Of School Youth Research Articles

Engaging BIPOC Out-Of-School Youth With Disabilities Through Interagency Collaborations: Lessons Learned From Centers for Independent Living

This study explored partnerships that Centers for Independent Living (CILs) engaged in to deliver services for out-of-school youth (OSY) with disabilities who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), a historically under-resourced group. The research team conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with executive directors or staff at seven CILs that serve large populations of BIPOC OSY with disabilities. CILs that participated in this study formed collaborations to support youth with disabilities, including BIPOC OSY. CIL respondents discussed the partnerships they established with vocational rehabilitation agencies, community-based organizations, secondary schools, and institutions of postsecondary education, to provide bidirectional and one-way referrals and connect youth to volunteering, employment, and peer group opportunities. CILs and other organizations that serve transition-age youth might create similar partnerships, particularly with vocational rehabilitation agencies, to reach and engage their minority OSY consumers.

Communities of Practice: A Strategy for Re-engaging Out-of-School Youth by Nurturing Prospects and Fostering Connections

This research focuses on the potential of the Communities of Practice (CoPs) that might be utilized to bring back the out-of-school youth (OSY) to formal schooling. Even with the attempts to increase enrollment in schools, some of the Filipino youths still have no access to education, and still have difficult life struggles that include loss of jobs and social exclusion. This study discusses the experience and issues with which OSY encounter in CoPs and comprises the valuable prospects for them further. The exploratory research question of the study depicts the experiences of OSY within CoPs in terms of the sense of belonging, social connectedness, and perceived upcoming possibilities. It also narrows down challenges like; they lack financial capital, or have lack of access to services. Subjects of the study were selected within the area of Barangay Nagtenga, Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur. Participants and observations were obtained through interviews, and fundamental trends such as isolation, restricted social relationships, and low earnings were identified. From the study, there is a recommended plan on how to bring about the CoPs that focus on the learning from peers, skills enhancement, and community activities for the enhancement of OSY. This research clearly brings out the significance that can be achieved through community-Based strategies in re-engaging and promoting out-of-school youth.

An assessment of youth’s understanding on sexual and reproductive health rights in traditional authority Malili in Lilongwe

The study was conducted with an aim of assessing youth’s understanding on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights in Traditional Authority Malili in Lilongwe in Malawi. The study has used a descriptive research design mainly to describe the characteristics of the youth awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights issues. Nevertheless, the study has found existing knowledge gaps on Family Planning, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Reproductive Sexual Autonomy. Additionally, the research discovered barriers that affect the demand and access of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among the youth. The study results strongly suggest that Malawi should not continue doing business as usual as far as Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights for youth is concerned. The study recommends addressing the disconnect between policy articulation and policy implementation; recruiting more health staff and creating more capacity building opportunities for SRH providers; creating more supportive environments in the homes for youth to dialogue with their parents on ASRH issues and creation of more safety avenues for the youth to express their sexuality such as youth groups and strengthen income generating activities for out of school youth and creating synergies among stakeholders to avoid retrogressive duplication in ASRHR programming.

Fostering Connections, Nurturing Prospects: A Proposed Communities of Practice Plan in Re-engaging Out-of-School Youth

This study investigates the effectiveness of Communities of Practice (CoPs) as a strategy to reengage out-of-school youth (OSY) in the Philippines. The research, utilizing a qualitative multiple case study approach with three OSY participants from Nagtenga, Sta Cruz, Ilocos Sur, explores themes of belonging, social connections, and prospects. Findings highlight the challenges faced by OSY, including isolation, limited social networks, and uncertain futures. Barriers to CoP participation include accessibility, financial constraints, and balancing commitments. A proposed CoP plan aims to create a supportive environment for OSY to develop skills, build connections, and drive positive change within their communities. This study emphasizes the need for tailored community-driven initiatives to address the unique needs of OSY and promote their successful re-engagement in education and society. Further research is recommended to evaluate the long-term impact of CoPs and develop scalable implementation strategies.

Obavezno telesno vaspitanje - skrivena predvojnička obuka u Kraljevini Jugoslaviji

In the 1930s, the European continent was dominated by the fear of a new war, so almost all countries began to pay special attention to war preparations. In this context, great attention was paid to youth and their physical and military training. The Kingdom of Yugoslavia, faced with many recruits unfit for military service, joined the European trend by introducing compulsory physical education into the social life of students and out-of school youth. This wording concealed the true nature of the new institution, namely pre-military education. Although the legislative solution was ideal in theory, in practice it had several weaknesses that did not allow the development of compulsory physical education. The legislature overlooked several important issues. First, there was a lack of trained teachers to teach the inmates. In addition, the law placed an excessive burn on the municipalities, which were unable to solve all the problems of organizing compulsory physical education, especially the material ones, since they were responsible for providing space and compensating teachers. The army also did not do everything in its power to provide the best possible support for pre-military training especially since the question of equipping the courses with weapons was not settled until before the April War began. Finally, the young people looked for ways to avoid the new obligation, so that less than half of the obligated participated the holiday courses. For this reason, the work results achieved were also not satisfactory.

Impact of Self-Control and Social Network of Friends on the Amount of Smoking among Out-of-School Youth.

The aim of this study is to understand the effects of self-control and social networks of friends on the amount of smoking among out-of-school adolescents. The subjects of this study were 187 out-of-school adolescent smokers from the J-province Youth Counseling Welfare Center as of 2020. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires that contained questions about sociodemographic characteristics, self-control, social networks of friends, and amount of smoking. The dependent variable was smoking amount. Descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, correlation analyses, and regression analysis were performed. The predictors of smoking in OSY (out-of-school youth) were analyzed with respect to self-control and social networks of friends. The significant variables in model 3 were age, living with parents, and average allowance. The smoking rate of friends (β = 0.256) and the degree of penetration of friends smoking (β = 0.341) were significant variables. The higher the percentage of friends smoking and the higher the degree of penetration of smoking among the members of social networks, the higher the amount of smoking.

College motivation, self-efficacy and college adjustment of freshmen college students

The current study examined whether the relationship between college motivation and college adjustment was mediated by self-efficacy by freshmen college students. Participants (N=312) consisted of freshmen college students from a state university in Pampanga, Philippines. They were voluntarily participated and completed the survey that assessed college motivation, self-efficacy, and college adjustment. Structural equation modeling was utilized to examine the relationship of the variables. Results showed that self-efficacy mediated the relationship between intrinsic motivation and positive college adjustment. Extrinsic motivation was found to be statistically correlated with positive college adjustment, however, extrinsic motivation has no direct effect on college adjustment in the final model. Moreover, amotivation has direct effect on negative college adjustment. These findings suggest that interventions which help to increase the intrinsic motivation level of the college students or those student entering in college may wish to incorporate in counseling programs in senior high schools, colleges and universities to avoid the increasing number of out of school youth in the Philippines.

Differences in Sexual Behavior and Partner Notification for Sexually Transmitted Infections Between the Out of School Youth and University Students in a Peri-Urban District in South Africa-A Cross-Sectional Survey.

The increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in young people is a public health concern. Among those in university and out of school, different contextual factors contribute to their risky sexual behavior and increased susceptibility to STIs and HIV. There are limited comparative studies examining risky sexual behavior and partner notification (PN) between these two groups, particularly in South Africa. We investigated sexual behaviors, self-reported STI diagnosis, health seeking behavior, and preferred PN methods of university students and out of school youth. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used using convenient sampling to select 917 students across five health sciences universities and through periodic sampling 699 out of school youth were selected from two main local shopping centers in South Africa. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic analysis were performed using Stata IC version 14. More university students (71.7%) than out of school youth were in casual relationships (28.3%), with half of out of school youth being in steady relations (50.2%). Moreover, university students (65.7%) used a condom in the past 6 months compared to their counterparts (34.3%). Of the 124 youth who were diagnosed with STI in the past 12 months, majority (n = 106, 85%) were out of school youth. The probability of notifying a partner about a STI infection was 82% among university students compared to their counterparts (p = >0.05). The odds of notifying a partner was 1.79 times more for those having multiple sexual partners than those who had only one partner. Both groups preferred a face-to-face STI disclosure with partner; however, more university students (67%) preferred SMS notification than PN referral slips as compared to out of school youth (42%). Both the university students and the out of school youth engaged in risky sexual behaviors. Both groups preferred face-to-face and clinic SMS partner notifications, even though university students were in the majority. There is a need for developing health promotion scripts on disclosing STIs to sexual partners to empower the majority of the youth who prefer face-to-face PN over the prescribed methods.

The Impact of Alternative Learning System in Cotabato Division: A Case Study

As a result of the world Declaration of Education for All (EFA) in 1990, the Philippines designed Alternative Learning System (ALS), a program that will provide non-formal education to out-of-school children (OSC), out-of-school youth (OSY), illiterate adults and marginalized Filipinos that will address illiteracy and promote continuing education. This research study used the qualitative research design involving the Cotabato Division in the province of North Cotabato implementing the ALS A&E program. The mobile teachers. District ALS program coordinators , ALS A&E passers, and the division ALS program supervisors were the respondents of this study . The studies were conducted in Cotabato Division particularly Central Elementary Schools. It was concluded that the ALS program was successful in providing basic learning needs to its beneficiaries and most of them pass the A&E test and were able to obtain an elementary or high school diploma and even college degree.The Alternative System Program of the Department of Education has great impact in Social and Economic Development of the North Cotabato Province.

Photography Workshop for School Dropout Youth in Nagari Batu Bulek, North Lintau Buo District, Tanah Datar Regency

Tourism in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic could be suspended if entrepreneurs, institutions, ormanagers do not immediately switch to using digital technology. Promotion of tourism, offers,destinations, hotels, culinary, souvenirs, and everything related to tourism requires digital technology.Through this technology, photos or videos related to tourism promotion can be presented. Photos orvideos that are made professionally and presented briefly, concisely, and precisely, are the mainattraction for tourists. Therefore, the presence of a professional photographer is needed. Puncak Pato isthe second most favored destination in Tanah Datar Regency, after the Pagaruyung Traditional House.This tourist location is located in Nagari Batu Bulek, North Lintau Buo District, Tanah Datar Regency,West Sumatra. In this village there is a group of out of school youth. They don't have permanent jobs.This youth group has a strong interest in photography, but does not yet have sufficient competence.Through the Community Partnership Program, the Community Service Group of the Faculty ofMathematics and Natural Sciences UNP provides workshops to improve their competence inphotography. The results of the pre-test and post-test for the knowledge and skills of the participants,which consisted of 7 people, showed that there had been an increase in the competence of theparticipants. It is hoped that they can become professional photographers who are the spearhead of thepromotion of Puncak Pato and other tours in Tanah Datar Regency throughout the world.

Rapid situational assessment of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Nairobi and coastal regions of Kenya: a respondent driven sampling survey

BackgroundA Cross-sectional Rapid Situational Assessment of People Who Inject Drug (PWIDs) applying Respondent Driven sampling techniques (RDS) was used to recruit subjects/participants in a study aimed at assessing HIV prevalence and risk behaviors among injecting drug users in Nairobi and Coastal regions of Kenya. There is paucity of data and information on injecting drug use in sub-Saharan Africa and there is sufficient evidence of existence of the environment for development and growth of injecting drug use. Past studies on PWID and its association to HIV and AIDS that have been conducted in Kenya do not provide sufficient information to support effective planning and comprehensive national response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was adopted in which a set of initial subjects referred to as ‘seeds’ were first identified from which an expanding chain of referrals were obtained, with subjects from each wave referring subjects of subsequent waves. The seeds were drawn randomly from the population and interviewed to pick the one with the largest network and other unique characteristics. A maximum of twelve seeds were recruited. The second stage involved conducting assessment visits to the sites to identify potential collaborators that included non-governmental organizations (NGOs), drug treatment centres, health facilities, community based organizations (CBO’s) among others. Three NGOs located in the coast region and one in Nairobi region were identified to assist in identifying drug injection locations and potential participants. Key informant interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also conducted using interview guides.ResultsA total of 646 individuals (344 in Nairobi and 302 at the coast) were recruited for the study between January and March 2010. Of these 590 (91%) were male and 56 (9%) were female. Findings showed that most PWIDs initiated injecting drug use between the ages of 20–29 years, with the youngest age of initiation being 11 years and oldest age being 53 years. Most commonly injected drug was heroin (98%), with a small (2%) percentage injecting cocaine. Other non-injecting methods such as smoking or combining these two drugs with other drugs such as cannabis or Rohypnol were also common. Most PWIDs used other substances (cigarettes, alcohol, and cannabis) before initiating injecting drug use. The adjusted national HIV prevalence of PWIDs was 18.3% (19.62% unadjusted) with PWIDs in Nairobi region registering 18.33% (20.58% unadjusted) compared PWIDs for Coastal region indicating 18.27% (18.59% - unadjusted). The gender based HIV prevalence showed that women were more at risk of acquiring HIV (44.51%-adjusted) compared to men (15.97%-adjusted). The age specific HIV prevalence showed that PWIDs who initiated injecting at 11–19 years (44.7% adjusted) were most at risk in Nairobi compared to those who initiated injecting at age 20–24 years (23.2% - adjusted) in the coastal region. While all PWIDs continue to be at risk in the two regions, those from the Western parts of Nairobi, Kenya were at a relatively higher risk given their increased propensity for sharing injecting equipment and solutions.ConclusionsCompared to the national HIV prevalence of (4.9%), the results show that People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) are at particularly high risk of infection in Kenya and there is urgent need for intervention (KenPHIA, 2018). This study also showed clear evidence that 70% of PWIDs are primary school educated, engage in high risk injecting and sexual behaviors comprising sharing of injecting equipment, unprotected heterosexual and homosexual sex. Given that initiation of injecting drug use begins early and peaks after formal school years (20–29 years), prevention programmes should be targeted at primary and secondary school students, college and out of school youth. Further, to protect People who inject drugs (PWIDs) from HIV infection, the country should introduce free Needle Syringe Programs (NSP) with provision of condoms and Methadone Assisted Therapy (MAT) as a substitute for drug use.

Social network determinants of alcohol and tobacco use: A qualitative study among out of school youth in South Africa.

An important determinant of alcohol and tobacco use is the adolescent's social network, which has not been explored among out of school youth (OSY). OSY are adolescents not currently enrolled in school and have not completed their schooling. This study aims to qualitatively understand how OSY's social networks support or constrain alcohol and tobacco use. Respondent-driven sampling was used to select 41 OSY (aged 13-20 years) for individual in-depth interviews in a South African urban area. The data were analysed using content analysis. Smoking and drinking friends, family close in age to OSY that drank and smoked, and lack of parental support were associated with alcohol and tobacco use among OSY. Household norms, romantic partners and non-smoking or non-drinking friends were suggested to mitigate alcohol and tobacco use. Understanding how the social network of OSY plays a role in alcohol and tobacco use is useful for gaining an insight into the profile of OSY at risk for alcohol and tobacco use. Registration of OSY youth and community-based peer led programmes that include influential OSY family and friends could be beneficial.

Substance Abuse among In-School and Out-Of-School Youth in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria

The objective of this study was to investigate substance abuse amongst in-school and out-of-school youth in Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria using cross-sectional descriptive survey. In the course of the survey, the commonly use substances, causes, effects, and protection were assessed. The data obtained show that, most of the respondents were males (93%), only few were females (6.7%). All the respondents were Muslims. Most of the out-of-school youth (OSY) were married (80%) and only 6.7% are married among in-school youth (ISY).The respondent’s age was within 18-22 years in most cases. Most (80%) of ISY were at senior secondary classes, 46.7% of OSY left school after primary education, 26.7% never attended school. Most of the respondents have more than 2 kids (93.3%), only 6.7% have about 10 kids. Commonly cited drugs are: cigarette, cannabis, alcohol, inhalants, tranquilizers, opiates, and hallucinogens. Reasons for substance abuse were: social/ peer pressure, rebellion, overwork/learning, shyness, fear, parental influence, fun and lack of role model. It also revealed that ISY started drug use earlier than the OSY. Friends, drug pushers, curiosity introduced youth to drugs. Effects of substance abuse are: bad temper, disturbed sleep, ill-health, depression, anxiety, tiredness, disrespect, failure at workplace/school on individual. At family level the effects include: disgrace, breakdown of relationship, loss of confidence in child, and ill-health. While at friend’s level, the effects include: breakdown of relationship, fear, anxiety. And at community or society levels, the effects listed were: crime, reduced productivity, violence, ill-health, high cost of treatment, accidents. To protect youth from substance abuse diverse efforts by governmentand NGOs and interventions are required.
 Keywords: Substance abuse, drug, out-of-school youth, in-school youth, key informants, public health

Using social network analysis to explore community engagement for out-of-school youth (OSY) in the Mindanao region of the Philippines

Purpose Operating in both traditional schools and alternative learning systems (ALS) requires organizations to have a strong understanding of what drives the cultural acceptance of violence and the capacity of the local populace to find peaceful solutions. This paper explores the results from a formative social network analysis (SNA) study on out-of-school youth (OSY) in the Philippines for educational programming in crisis settings. SNA views relationships in terms of nodes and ties – nodes are the individual actors in networks, and ties are the relationships between the actors. As part of a process evaluation, SNA can shed light into the “black box” of how and why people and groups interact. Design/methodology/approach Study data came from a survey of 1,006 youth between the ages of 18–24, in a cluster-randomized sample from eight municipalities in Mindanao, Philippines. The survey captured information on demographics, acceptance of violence, resilience and the relationships between youth/voluntary organizations, as well as between youth/trusted contacts (“alters”). These data were transformed into findings using both descriptive techniques and regression analysis. Findings This paper finds that among Mindanao youth, the patterns connecting OSY with organizations, trusted contacts, acceptance of violence and resilience are extremely complex. The evidence paints a picture of OSY who are disconnected with institutional support, largely confined to their barangays (villages/neighborhoods) and surrounded by people who have overlapping roles as neighbors, relatives and friends. The analysis fails to outline a single, unified picture and instead reveals a tapestry of disparate points. More abstractly, SNA as a methodology captures a unique slice of the complexity of youths’ lives and how aspects of this complexity evince the need for more effort to be put into adapting OSY programming to local conditions. The results also support previous research highlighting how push and pull factors combine in uniquely individual ways that defy general demographic patterns. Demographic variables, for example, explain little of the variation in youths’ perceptions of violence and resilience, despite the strong significance of gender, age and urban/rural residence in most models. Variables for ethnicity and religion, in contrast, generally did not significantly influence acceptance of violence or perceived resilience. Social implications From the constellation of findings, this study posits the following conclusions: regarding future development projects, practitioners can use SNA to better understand the complex patterns of influence on OSY at the community level. There is still ample opportunity to broaden and deepen institutional engagement with Mindanao’s OSY population. Programs hoping to involve OSY should expect to dedicate special time, attention and resources to their recruitment, education and training. Regarding the design of interventions, programs focusing on mitigating or addressing violence/violent extremism should acknowledge the complexity of social networks. Education programs should thus be explicit about specific desired outcomes, elaborating how they intend to mitigate which types of violence and under what circumstances for which subgroups of youth. Originality/value Regarding future research and evaluation, the study demonstrates how SNA, as an innovative monitoring and evaluation method, can map and measure human and organizational relationships, both visually and mathematically. The suite of methods under the SNA umbrella deserve greater attention and use by those seeking to learn about what works in providing quality educational services in crisis settings.

IMPACT OF EXTENSION PROGRAM IN ENGLISH COMMUNICATION SKILLS OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH (OSY) OF LIFE PROJECT FOR YOUTH (LP4Y)

This study aimed to determine the impact of the extension activity to the Out-of-School Youth (OSY) of Life Project for Youth (LP4Y) in terms of English Communication skills. Descriptive research design was employed in this study. The respondents of the study were the 89 males and 92 females OSY of LP4Y. The data were analyzed and interpreted through the use of percentage, weighted mean, and t-test of dependent samples.The mean scores of the OSY in their English Communication Skills improved from the year 2014-2018, from very poor to very satisfactory, and their level of self-esteem improved also from very low to high.Based on the results of the interviewed conducted, the participants narrated that they were easily hired in terms of job opportunity. The researchers concluded that the CTE-ETS English Communication Skills for OSY of LP4Y has great impact to the life of the participants in terms of their English Communication Skills, self-esteem, and job opportunity, thus it is recommended to continue this kind of extension project to help the out-of-school-youth of present and future generation in alleviating their standard of living.

Empowering the Vulnerable Youth with Employability Skills through Non-formal Training Programs in Kenya

Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education talks about increasing access and equitable education that promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all. This encompasses embedding foundational, technical and employability skills sustainable education and training. Inclusivity in education and training embraces the marginalized and vulnerable youth in education and training programs. The study intended to enhance some selected employability skills; communication, team building, and problem solving and time management, self-confidence and self-expression through non formal training programs. This paper presents findings of a study conducted among the vulnerable out of school youth to determine their level of employability skills and enhance the acquisition of the skills using interactive training methods. Quasi experimental design was employed and a purposively selected sample size of 60 youth drawn from four sub counties in Nakuru County was used. A structured questionnaire and an observation checklist were used to collect data before and after the training. The training was conducted for a period of one month using selected participatory/interactive training methods to enhance employability skills. Data was analyzed and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed improved acquisition of some facets of employability skills in communication, team building, and problem solving and time management. There was no observable improvement of self-confidence and self-expression. It was concluded that acquisition of employability skills does not only depend on the training methods and the environment, but other factors such as the trainee's personality and experience from prior learning may also have an impact. Hence trainers should consider the trainees diversity when developing and planning for skills training programs.

Engagement of Out of School Youthin Decision Making During Showcasing of Success Stories byYoung Agripreneurs and Its Effect on Implementation of Agricultural Programmes

Participation of out of school youth in decision making on showcasing success stories by young agripreneurs would act as motivation for them to increase implementation of agricultural programmes for self reliance. However, there is problem of low participation of out of school youth in decision making on showcasing success by young agripreneurs. Out of school youths who have completed secondary school agriculture are scantly exposed in agripreneurship. It is expected that the gap in knowledge and skills would be filled by the youth participating in showcasing success events by young agripreneurs. This research was conducted to establish the influence of participation of out of school youth in decision-making on showcasing success stories by young agripreneurs on implementation of agricultural programmes. The investigation was conducted in three categories of secondary schools offering agriculture subject, spread in five agro-ecological zones typical of Kenyan farm types, and found in Kisii and Nyamira counties region. Cross-sectional survey design was used. Out of school youth are those who studied agriculture subject and are registered with youth groups within their localities engaged in agricultural activities for creation of livelihoods. Stratified, purposive, and simple random sampling procedures were used to select a sample size of 160 out of school youth. Data was collected using questionnaires, analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics at probability level of 0.05 using SPSS version 21. Results show that gender of out of school youth does not make a significant difference in the level of participation in decision making on showcasing events by young agripreneurs. Youth out of school are in concurrence that strategies 5, 4, 3 and 6 are more significantly very important than the rest in increasing their participation in decision making during showcasing success stories by young agripreneurs. Strategy 5 is identified as outstanding out of the four and advocates for the formation of agribusiness clubs at community level where successful agripreneurs can mentor the out of school youth, share ideas, experiences and showcase their successes. There is a positive significant linear correlation between level of participation in decision making during showcasing of success stories by young agripreneurs and the level of implementation of agricultural programmes by youth out of school (R= 0.438762, p = 0.00). These findings will be useful in addressing issues of out of school youth on participation in decision making during showcasing success stories by young agripreneurs to prompt them implement agricultural programmes for independence.

Tackling smoking among out of school youth in South Africa: An analysis of friendship ties

BackgroundFriendships during adolescence play a significant role in the initiation and maintenance of tobacco use. Smoking behaviour among adolescent friends has not been explored among out of school youth (OSY) in South Africa. Out of school youth (OSY), described as those between 13 and 20 years old, have not completed their schooling and are not currently enrolled in school, are at greater risk for tobacco use. AimThe main aim of this study is to examine whether the smoking behaviour of OSY is associated with that of their OSY friends. MethodsRespondent driven sampling was used to recruit OSY and their OSY friends. A mixed effects logistic regression with a random intercept across school-province combinations was used to analyse survey data. Race and gender were also incorporated into the analyses as effect moderators (n = 391). ResultsResults of this study confirm that cigarette smoking was common among OSY and their OSY friends, with 53.5% of the respondents smoking in the past month (SD = 0.44). When OSY friends were either all non-smokers or half their friends were non-smokers, Coloured (mixed race) OSY were less likely to smoke compared to Black African and Other (mostly Asian descent) OSY. ConclusionCultural norms and values associated with the different race groups may play a role in the smoking behaviour of out of school youth friends. Understanding this relationship is useful for identifying those OSY that are vulnerable to the behaviours that place them at risk of tobacco related morbidity and mortality.

Reasons for Leaving School and Alcohol Use Among Out of School Youth in South Africa

After students drop out of school, their alcohol use may vary according to the reason for dropping out. In this paper, out of school youth (OSY) are those between 13–20 years old, have not completed their schooling, and have not enrolled in secondary or high school for the current academic year. OSY are at heightened risk of alcohol use. This study examined the relationship between reasons for leaving school and alcohol use, taking into account gender differences. Survey data from 4222 OSY (mean age = 17.4 years, SD = 1.9; males = 59.4%) were analysed using ordinal regression. Leaving school for “not having enough money to pay for school fees” was associated with more alcohol consumption, among females living specifically in rural areas of Gauteng. However, in urban areas of Kwazulu Natal and Mpumalanga, females who left school for the same reason as their rural counterparts were less likely to consume alcohol in the past month. Males were more likely to consume higher levels of alcohol if they reported leaving school due to making someone pregnant, but only when they resided in peri-urban areas. Understanding the relationship between reasons for leaving school and alcohol use may give us insight into the profile of school dropouts at risk for alcohol use. This information is useful for intervention development across the school, home and community.

Strategies for Improving Adult Education Participation in Kenya: A Case of Trans-nzoia East Sub-County

The Government of Kenya remains committed to enhancing literacy and numeracy to all her citizens. This is through the provision of adult education to cater for out of school youth and adults who missed out of basic education in line with the country’s educational objectives and the vision 2030. However, participation in adult education remains low despite high number of illiterate adult in the county. This paper shows the assessment of participation in adult education and the determined the strategies for its improvement in Kenya. It identifies the characteristics of adult learners, their reasons for learning, and the barriers to the effectiveness of the program. The determined strategies to improve participation in adult education include: Provision of civic education on adult education, Provision of physical facilities and program support materials, use of various innovative teaching methods, making adult learning practices highly motivating, imparting knowledge and skills easily applicable in life situations and empowering adult learners by facilitating access to new income sources. The study was carried out in Trans-Nzoia East Sub-county, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. It adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study sample incorporated: adult learners, adult education teachers and the Sub-County Director of Adult and Continuing Education (DACE). A sample size of 97 respondents was identified through random (stratified and simple) and purposive sampling. Data was collected using closed ended and open ended questionnaires, and a semi-structured interview. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics: frequencies and percentages and presented in tables. Based on the findings of the study, this paper recommends more effort in the policy making, organization and implementation of adult education to realize improved participation.