The Role of Social Work Interventions in Addressing Primary School Dropouts: A Case of Mbeya Municipality.

Mbuga, Hitson C. (2025) The Role of Social Work Interventions in Addressing Primary School Dropouts: A Case of Mbeya Municipality. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study explores the socio-economic and cultural factors contributing to primary school dropout rates in Mbeya Municipality, Tanzania, and assesses the role of social work interventions in addressing this issue. The research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with a purposively selected sample of 15 at-risk pupils, 10 parents or guardians, and 5 social workers engaged in educational interventions. Participants were selected using predefined criteria to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the dropout phenomenon. Data were analyzed using NVivo software, following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis framework, which enabled systematic coding and in-depth exploration of underlying causes, including poverty, family instability, and lack of educational support. The study highlights the pivotal role of social work interventions—such as counseling, resource coordination, and advocacy in mitigating dropout rates and improving retention in primary education. Ethical approval was obtained from the Open University of Tanzania’s Research Ethics Committee, with informed consent secured, confidentiality upheld, and data security ensured. The study contributes to the discourse on educational access and retention, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and social workers in formulating strategies to enhance school retention. It further recommends longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of social work interventions on educational outcomes in Tanzania and beyond. Keywords: Primary School Dropout, Socio-Economic Factors, Cultural Factors, Social Work Interventions, Qualitative Research, Tanzania.

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