Home-based Factors for Students’ Dropout in Public Secondary Schools in Itilima District, Simiyu Region-Tanzania

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring specific home-based factors for students’ dropout in public secondary schools in Itilima District, Simiyu Region-Tanzania. The study was guided by expectancy theory. The study employed a mixed approach and a convergent parallel design. The study involved 104 participants including 3 WEO, 3 heads of school, 18 teachers, 18 teachers and 62 students. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and document checklists were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that poverty, ignorance of some parents, parents’ attitude, peer influence, family conflicts and separation, distance from home to school, early marriage and agricultural activities and livestock keeping were among the home-based factors for students’ dropout. The study concluded that most of the public secondary schools are facing students’ dropout of the school due to home-based related factors. Therefore, the study recommends that to reduce the problem of students dropping out of school, the government should build hostels and parents be sensitized on the importance of educating their children.