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Financial, Psychological and social challenges faced by caregivers of orphans in Kitui Central, Kitui county, Kenya.
No full textABSTRACT
Caring for orphans is an enormous task. Caregivers are rarely prepared to take extra burden of caring for children who are not their biological children after the death of their parents. They are faced with a myriad of challenges including psychological stress due to the notion that an extra burden has been added to them. Lack of adequate support from the community makes this task more challenging. This situation is not different in Kitui District. The purpose of this study was to determine financial, psychological and social challenges faced by caregivers of orphans in Kitui Central District, Kitui County, Kenya. The research questions were formulated in line with the research objectives. The study was guided by three theories which included crisis theory as advanced by Erich, the attachment theory by Bowlby and Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory. The research adopted ex-post facto research design. The target population was all orphan care givers in Kitui Central District. One hundred and six caregivers were purposively sampled. Three sets of questionnaires were used to collect data. The data was then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software. The analysis involved both quantitative and qualitative descriptive statistics. The study found out that despite the financial difficulties the family remains the strongest and most permanent unit of care for the orphans. Majority of the caregivers reported truancy as the most unruly behavior expressed by the orphans. Social capacity still remains as an essential ingredient in orphans care. Similarly majority of the care givers were old women. In conclusion it was found that psychosocial and economic challenges influenced caregivers' provision of services to orphans. Similarly it was concluded that although, majority caregivers faced serious psychological and social challenges; they were still willing to carry on with the care giving services to the orphans. It was recommended that the government and other stakeholders in the community be involved in addressing challenges, which orphan caregivers face. The result may be useful to both the government policy makers and the Non-governmental sectors, in assisting caregivers overcome the challenges of caring for orphans
The influence of external educational environment on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child output in Kenyan primary schools
No full textThis is a study on 'The influence of external educational environment on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child output in Kenyan primary schools'. Every time The Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of education releases national examinations there is an outcry of marginalization of the boy child after which nothing is changes begging the question is the boy child not as a critical human resource as the girl child. The systems theory was applied in the study. The objectives of the study were to: establish the status of the boy child educational process and wastage reduction strategies between 200 I and 2008; establish the influence of policy framework on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child; establish the influence of. social cultural practices on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child; establish the influence of boarding arrangements on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child; determine the influence of teacher gender on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child; establish the influence of family background on wastage reduction strategies of the boy child; and to develop a model for wastage reduction strategies of the boy child. A descriptive survey research design was used in this research with a target population of public primary schools of more than one stream in 2001. The population comprised of 693 and a sample of was arrived at through stratified random sampling. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data and hypotheses tested. Further, a regression analysis was run for the dependent variable against the independent variables. Hypotheses tests were carried out. The findings established the influence of external environment on wastage reduction strategies as having a good fit since all key statistical indices were above or below the recommended levels. The influence of external educational environment was indicated by regression model results (R2=0.587, p=0.00). The five independent variables had a significant influence on wastage reduction strategies as indicated by regression results (R2=0.62, p=0.02). Policy statements had a significant influence on wastage reduction strategies (R 2=0.59, p=O.O I), socio-cultural practices also had a significant influence on wastage reduction strategies (R 2=0.4 7, p=O.O I), boarding arrangements influence on wastage reduction strategies was at (R2=0.60, p=O.O 1 ), teacher gender influence on wastage reduction strategies was at (R2=0.3 l , p=0.03), while family background influence on wastage reduction strategies was at (R2=0.64, p=0.00). In conclusion policy statements, teacher gender, family background boarding arrangements and social cultural practices influenced wastage reduction Strategies. The findings concurred with Kibutu(2006), Kashu (2006), Omutako (2007) and De Corte (2003). The study recommended the development of policy statement for the boy child in particular among other recommendations. Areas for further research include further research to establish the age at which the boy child is most likely to drop out of school. The study established that the theory of production, retention and ansition theories are applicable to the specific case of the influence of wastage reduction strategies of the boy child output in Kenyan primary schools
Factors influencing C.R.E performance in the church sponsored and public secondary schools: A case study of Ogendo Division Kisii County, Kenya
No full textChristian Religious Education (CRE) is an academic subject in the school curriculum oncemed with religion. It traces its origin to the coming of the European missionaries. It is or instruction in various aspects of religion. According to Archbishop Dr. John Sentamu, _012), he acknowledges that CRE is important because it forms and creates a culture. In that
respect, this survey study was carried out to evaluate its performance between church sponsored and public secondary schools in Ogembo division. The study was carried out with the main purpose of establishing the factors influencing performance in secondary schools in Ogembo Division. The objectives of the study were to identify factors influencing good performance of CRE in secondary schools in Ogembo Division, to establish the challenges which students of CRE encounter in Ogembo division, to establish the role of stake holders in the performance of CRE in church sponsored and public secondary schools in Ogembo division. The schools and respondents were selected using stratified and convenience sampling procedures. The target population used was 165 respondents. That included students, teachers and personnel involved in secondary school education in relation to CRE curriculum. Due to the need to achieve feasibility, the target population was reduced to a sample size by use of quota sampling and statistical sampling techniques under the influence of Morgan Table. The sample size used was 13 7 respondents of the target population. The sample of respondents were prepared through prior notice before collecting data. Piloting was done to test the questionnaires before collecting data. Data was collected by use of questionnaires of a primary level and interviews. Data was processed through editing, classification and categorization to make it possible for analysis. The data processed was analyzed by use of descriptive statistical models as well as calculating frequent percentages. The statistical package Social Sciences (SPSS Version 18), a computerized system for data analysis was used to analyze the data for the study. The study found out that the performance of CRE in both church sponsored and public secondary schools in Ogembo division were effective in ensuring timely access to learning resources, teachers and administration as well as students themselves having knowledge from the churches they attend. The study concluded that parents, teachers and students should be up held as they have ensured increased probability of accessing learning materials, trained staff etc, The study-recommends that the provision of learning materials and parents involvement considers as the key improvement which leads to better performance
Challenges facing free primary education in the management of primary schools in Mbeere South sub county, Embu county, Kenya.
No full textABSTRACT
The establishment of Free Primary Education (F.P.E) in January 2003 by the Government of Kenya with an intention to do away with the tuition fees, building funds and activity fees that was paid in public primary schools. F.P.E increased in enrolment to over a million pupils across the country. The purpose of the study was therefore to investigate these challenges facing the implementation of the FPE in Mbeere South Sub-County. The primary schools literature review looks at F.P.E around the world, Africa, East Africa and Kenya. The study also looked at the task areas of a school head. The study was carried out in 36 public schools selected through random sampling targeting 10 head teachers; 20 teachers who hold the position of curriculum coordinators, the District Education Officer (D.E.O) and District Quality Assurance and Standards Officer (DQASO). The sample size was 1 % of the target population for pilot study. The study employed three tools of data collection, a questionnaire for head teachers, an interview schedule for the teachers and interview schedule for the District Education Officers and the DQASO. The content validity of the instruments was assessed using expert judgment by two faculty academic staff in the Department of Education. Piloting was carried out to test for reliability by administering questionnaires to respondents who did not take part in the study but had similar characteristics. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages presented in tables and bar graphs. The analysis was facilitated by SPSS version 17 a computer software. The results have provided insight for the government and other researchers on what can be done to make the programme a success. The nature of challenges on the management disclosed may be helpful to educational planners in identifying areas that require more attention or even changing systems or mechanism of management in the primary schools so as to have the full realization of all the benefits of F.P.E
The perception of nurse educators,clinical instructors and students on effectiveness of clinical evaluation of Diploma Nursing students in Tanzania
No full textRT 71.C3 2014In the clinical practice settings, nurse educators facilitate students' learning practice and conduct clinical evaluation as part of students' training. The process of clinical evaluation involves nurse educators, clinical instructors who are selected registered nurses from the hospital. The students' clinical evaluation is crucial for ensuring quality in nursing education. The learning process is complemented by the clinical practice that portrays clinical performance of the students.
The concept "effective clinical evaluation" is critical in quality nursing education. The purpose of the study was to determine diploma nursing students' clinical evaluation effectiveness. The objectives of the study were to determine assessors' knowledge on the use of evaluation tools, identify clinical assessors' view on current clinical evaluation tools, evaluate the process of preparing students for clinical evaluation, and determine the usefulness of the clinical evaluation tools in use. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Study population included students, nurse educators, and clinical instructors. 403 respondents were sampled using stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the nurse educators, clinical instructors and students in five nursing schools from two zones Western and Lake Zones. The instruments were tested to ensure validity and reliability. Quantitative data were coded and analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS-version 16. Results were then presented in tables, frequencies and charts. Results showed that majority of nurse educators demonstrated adequate knowledge of the student assessment sheet. However, they had little knowledge on students' practical experience books and students' procedure guide usage. Ninety percent of the clinical instructors had more knowledge on assessment sheet and students' practical experience books as assessment tools. Most of Nurse Educators and clinical instructors viewed current evaluation tools as useful. However, more than half of nurse educators reported that current tools lacked standardization nationally. Many students indicated that they were prepared well for practical examination. It was concluded that assessors had adequate knowledge on the assessment tool for nursing students but had little knowledge on students' practical experience books and students' procedure guides. It was recommended that the current practical assessment tools be reviewed and standardized. Furthermore, students and assessors' required periodic orientation on clinical evaluation tools to ensure their effective use
Percetion of preceptor and student nurse partnership on clinical teaching and learning
Get PDFRT 76.K3 201
Impact of miraa on pupils in public primary schools in Gachoka division, Embu county, Kenya.
No full textABSTRACT
Miraa is a drought tolerant evergreen tree or shrub whose twigs and leaves are chewed as a stimulant. Many women, children and young men chew it regularly. Miraa production and use is associated with health problems such as- insomnia and lack of appetite, violence and other social problems such as young children harvesting it when they are supposed to be in school. The purpose of the study was to establish the impact of miraa on pupils in __public _primary schools in Gachoka Division, Embu County. The target population was 548 and the sample size comprised164 participants. Simple random sampling was used to select the schools that were studied. Data analysis was aided by use of a computer package known as Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 6). The findings based on the objectives are presented in tabular and graphical forms using figures, frequencies and percentages. The study established that miraa growing encourages pupils to drop out of school; it encourages them to get married early and also results to low academic achievement. Miraa consumption leads to addiction and consequently bad behaviors develop in the pupils making learning difficult. Increasing income from miraa is used in the development of education to a greater extent but it also influences education negatively. The study revealed that most miraa farmers have low levels of education and therefore, do not see the need to educate their children. The research made the following recommendations: The County Administration under the County Commissioner to develop a policy that will ensure that all parents take their children to school and also address the issue of alcoholism and drug abuse. The administrators including the area chiefs and assistant chiefs should play an active role in compelling the miraa farmers not to employ school children on the miraa farms. Legal action should be taken on those who fail to comply. The DEO, the sponsors and other stakeholders should initiate educational and awareness-raising campaign to sensitize the miraa farmers on the importance of educating children. The Sub-County Children's Office should come up with ways of dealing with early marriages by miraa traders in order to enable the pupils to complete education. Guidance and counseling program to be enforced and monitored so as to help the pupils who are already addicted to miraa and also assist them to stop chewing it especially at that early age
Determinants of sustainable competitive advantage within food and beverage firms in kenya
No full textUrbanization is proceeding at a high pace with urban dwellers expected to outnumber rural population in the near future. The demand for processed foods with shorter preparation periods that offer convenience for the urban population is high and is set to increase. This calls for higher processing capacity in the food and beverage industries. Stiff competition is already being experienced in this industry in Kenya which calls for firms to position themselves strategically to survive. Investment in competitive strategies by companies in this industry is critical for their survival and will determine their success or collapse in future. This study aimed at empirically analyzing the nature of competitive strategies companies in the food and beverage sector engaged in to acquire sustainable competitive advantage, and the drivers underlying that competitiveness. Purposive sampling of 95 food and beverage firms located in Nairobi and Mombasa and their environs and registered with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers was done. The study was designed as a survey of all the firms targeting the chief executive, the finance/marketing manager or the human resource manager as respondents. The study design was descriptive. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. The data was then coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). From the 95 firms surveyed, 32 successfully participated giving a response rate of 33.7 percent. Statistical analysis revealed that cost leadership generic strategy was significant as a predictor of sustainable competitive advantage while differentiation was not. On effects of firm resources on sustainable competitive advantage, the study found that effects of organizational structure were statistically significant and critical to success of firms in this industry. The use of human capital in innovative adaptation was found statistically significant for owner/chairman and executive management. Dynamic operational efficiency was found to be driven mostly by efficiency of production processes which was statistically significant while effects of selected macroeconomic factors of inflation, exchange rates and interest rates were not statistically significant. The failure at significance tests of macroeconomic factors meant that the factors were not critical at influencing the business environment of the food and beverage firms in Kenya. The findings of this study are important in academia, industry, and government by adding to the body of knowledge and enlightening on the competitive nature of the food and beverage industry in Kenya. The findings are enriching in the developing areas of resource capability configurations (resource based view of the firm) and the linkage with generic strategies in the Kenyan environment. The findings will be useful to investors especially in the food and beverage sector which is the leading one in Kenya in the background of devolved governments and development of counties as well as rapidly growing urban centers which are the new frontiers for industrialization. Use of perceptual performance data for sustainable competitive advantage was found appropriate and longitudinal or time series studies as well as use of secondary data on performance is recommended for future research on this subject
Knowledge,attitude and practice of lecturers on the use of critical reflection in undergraduate nursing programs in Tanzania
No full textRT 81.5.C3 2014Critical reflection is a teaching strategy adopted by many countries for training undergraduate nursing students. The strategy is accepted and institutionalized within e nursing profession worldwide. In higher nursing education, critical reflection offers a way for practitioners to gain insight into the nursing practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practice of lecturers on the use of critical reflection in undergraduate nursing programs in Tanzania. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for the study, whereas the target population included lecturers in all schools in Universities offering the undergraduate nursing programs in Tanzania. Census approach was used, in that, all the lecturers’ were used as subjects. A total of 65 (92.85%) of the lecturers participated in the study. Self-administered questionnaire and observational checklist were the tools used for data collection. Data collection was done by the researcher after ethical clearance by the Kenya Methodist University, including other respective authorities in Tanzania. Collected data were organized, sorted, coded and analyzed by using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 16.0 computer software. Both Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used in the data analysis with the results presented in tables and figures. The findings revealed that 39 (60.00%) of the lecturers had adequate knowledge on critical reflection, an average of 53 (81.53%) of the lecturers held positive attitude towards critical reflection, 43 (66.15%) of the lecturers were practicing critical reflection although not in totality, and 43 (66.15%) of the lecturers had adequate institutional support to practice critical reflection. However, 45 (69.23%) of the lecturers felt that they were less competent using critical reflection while 8 (12.31%) felt that they were not competent at all in using critical reflection. As critical reflection was not emphasized in the current nursing training curriculum, institutional support to push the practice of critical reflection was also lacking to some extent. From this point of view, this study recommended that the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Tanzania should incorporate the critical reflection into the nursing training curriculum
Factors affecting learners' performance in mathematics in public secondary schools Tigania East district, Meru county, Kenya.
No full textPrimary and secondary school teachers are under tremendous pressure from all stakeholders in the education sector to deliver quality education to all children. It is important to know whether teachers meet this challenge (pressure), given their current levels of pay and their working conditions. In Tigania East District performance in Mathematics in K.C.S.E in the past few years has been low, and reasons for the poor academic performance have not been fully established. This study sought to establish factors affecting learners' performance in mathematics in public secondary schools in Tigania East District, Meru County, Kenya. specifically, the study sought to establish the effect of teachers' remuneration, working conditions, head teachers' supervision and availability of teaching/learning resources on learners' performance in mathematics in secondary schools in Tigania East District. This study used a survey research design and both qualitative and quantitative data was collected.
The study target population was 45 secondary schools with 94 mathematics teachers and 45 bead teachers within the Tigania East District. Stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting the sample size. A sample of 28 teachers (30% of the target population), and I head teachers (30% of the target population) was selected. Primary data was collected
using a questionnaire. Secondary data was obtained from district education office and individual school records, showing all teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and students' K.C.S.E results for the last five years. Data was collected through delivering the research instruments and then collecting them later at a date agreed upon with each respondent. After collecting the questionnaires, collected data was edited, coded, classified and summarized into categories. The researcher used the Statistical Package or Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0 for Windows to help in analyzing the data. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and mode) was widely used in al sis. Results were presented in form of frequency tables, bar graphs, pie charts and percentages from which inferences and conclusions were drawn. This study established that there was a significant relationship between teachers' remuneration, institutional working conditions, head teachers supervision, available learning/teaching resources in the schools p=0.000<0.05) and students' academic performance in mathematics in public secondary schools in Tigania East District. In conclusion, the study established that unreasonable demands from administrators, discouraging team spirit, lack of teacher motivation, inadequate remuneration and rewards as some of the factors related to lack of improved earners' performance in mathematics . Study recommends that teacher salaries should be at doubled. The government and other stakeholders should work towards employing more teachers to cope with ever increasing teacher workload especially after the introduction of '=PE and FSE. School heads should be encouraged to involve other teachers in decision making processes in the schools and schools should provide adequate teaching and learning resources. A more rigorous study can be carried to cover the whole country. The relationship between increasing rewards and student academic achievement is unknown. Therefore, from a policy perspective, it would be useful for another study to analyze the effect of increased reward on teacher behavior and student academic achievement achievement