Factors Influencing Academic Performance of Primary School’s Orphans in Tanzania

Social Science

This study investigates the factor influencing orphan’s academic performance in primary schools. In Tanzania the number of orphaned students resulted from different causes such as the death of parents from different accidents, diseases and those with divorced parents is drastic increases. Orphaned students are among the most vulnerable members of society, often lacking basic needs and services related to better education. This study investigated the factors influencing the academic performance of orphans in Arusha City. The study used descriptive research design and it was conducted in Arusha City to primary school orphans from different wards. Data were collected from 100 respondents including DEO, WEC, headteachers, class teachers, other teachers, orphans, guardians, and community through interviews. Findings show that orphanage students were performing poorly and this was contributed by many factors including social-economic factors, home learning environment, sexual violence, inferiority complex, school’s absenteeism, lack of a system of helping orphaned students in schools. It was recommended that Schools should find a means to identify orphaned students and their needs and provide necessary support including psychological and also encourage them to learn and provide necessary academic support when appropriate. The orphaned students should participate fully in the learning process, and the MoEVT and other Educational stakeholders should plan and establish regular seminars to teachers on how to help students

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