Assessment of the Contributions of Fee-Free Basic Education Policy on the Retention of Learners in Tanzania Secondary Schools.

Kahemele, Paul Laurence (2025) Assessment of the Contributions of Fee-Free Basic Education Policy on the Retention of Learners in Tanzania Secondary Schools. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study assessed the contributions of Fee-free basic education policy to students‟ retention in Tanzania secondary schools in Morogoro District Council with the general objective of exploring the contributions of the policy to students‟ retention. The study had four specific objectives, assessment of the stakeholders‟ perception of the implementation of the Policy; determined the factors that affect students‟ retention; analysed the strategies that the stakeholders use in controlling students‟ dropouts; and analysed the responsibilities parents are obliged to undertake to their children according to the policy. The study employed pragmatism research paradigm and a mixed research approach while using convergent parallel research design. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview guides, and document review. Quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive data analysis and spread sheet. Qualitative data were analysed by using content analysis. The findings disclosed that; the stakeholders were aware that the government was providing free secondary education. The study also disclosed that students were affected by hunger, distance from home to school, and lack of hostels/ dormitories; Third, the study revealed that the strategies to prevent students‟ dropout were creating awareness among parents on educational matters, school feeding and food programmes for students in schools, Fourthly, the study also discovered that parents were obliged by the policy to supply stationeries, school uniforms and food contribution. The policy therefore is not enough to prevent students‟ dropout rather the government should address and control factors like, pregnancy, hostels construction, and school feeding. Keywords: Fees free Education, Student dropout, Retention, Learner.

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