Effectiveness of students’ philanthropic donations on orphans’ academic performance: A case of Mbeya city ward secondary schools

Maulaga, Joseph D. (2014) Effectiveness of students’ philanthropic donations on orphans’ academic performance: A case of Mbeya city ward secondary schools. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

Microsoft Word Download (152kB)

Abstract

This study was carried out as a result of the fact that while assessment of various supports given to orphans in schools is necessary, they are rarely assessed of their effectiveness on academic performance of the orphans since the sheer need to support the orphans usually tend to outweigh the need to assess the impact of the support. This study was carried out in five ward secondary schools of Mbeya city, Tanzania namely Uyole, Iduda, Mwakibete, Sinde and Kalobe secondary schools (n=150). It sought to determine the effectiveness of various kinds of students’ philanthropic donations on academic performance of fellow students who are orphans. The study used quantitative techniques and used a written questionnaire to collect data from the students in the five schools. Key findings revealed that not only is there a significant proportion of students who are orphans in secondary schools but also students are willing to go on donating and that their donations have significant positive effect on the academic performance of the orphans in terms of reducing their absenteeism and dropout, improving classroom concentration; and promoting their study efforts and psychosocial wellbeing. This study recommended that as part of implementation of EFA school fees should be abolished as secondary education is included in ‘basic’ education, this would reduce barriers to orphans’ schooling. Orphan support programmes including peer support should also be co-ordinated and institutionalised to improve equity and equality in orphan support. Moreover schools need to have well established guidance and counseling services especially for vulnerable children.

Actions (login required)

View Item