Abstract: This study is entitled “The Social and economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on private higher education in Rwanda.” The purpose of this study is to identify the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on private higher learning institutions in Rwanda. The researchers reviewed the related literature from physical and online documents. This research employed descriptive research design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The research adopted purposive sampling technique to determine a sample size of 437 respondents ranged from Students, Staff, and Senior Managers from 26 private HLIs in Rwanda. Data was collected through questionnaire, documentation, and interviews. Primary data were analyzed using SPSS. As results of this study, almost 90% of respondents confirmed that COVID-19 affected the enrolment numbers for both international and local students. Some HLIs, especially local-based ones, reported that this impact would continuously have negative financial consequences over the next 3 to five years. At almost all HLIs, COVID-19 affected teaching and learning activities where 91% of the respondents reported that classroom teaching had been replaced by remote teaching and learning. 100% of HLIs also reported that COVID-19 had affected the planning to carry out exams and it has had an impact on international students and staff mobility at 99% of participating HLIs. As a major recommendation, HLIs should have strategies in place to control future pandemic rather than considering the COVID-19 pandemic as a once-in-a-lifetime crisis.

Abstract: Access to improved sanitation is an important component of human health and wellbeing. Minimum requirements for safe WASH in schools are not provided in most rural schools in Kenya. The current paper investigated the effects of availability and access to safe drinking water on students’ academic performance in secondary school in Muhoroni Sub – County, Kenya. Descriptive research design and mixed methodology was used. The target population was 2354 form three students and 23 teachers. Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination formula was used to obtain a sample size of 331 respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data . Validity was determined by consulting research supervisors while reliability was determined through the use of Cronbach Alpha. Quantitative data were analysed by SPSS (version 25) and the findings presented using frequencies and percentages while qualitative data were thematically classified and arranged before they were reported in narrations and quotations. The study found that 65.4% of the learners reported that they were using safe drinking water in their schools. In addition, 63.3% of the study participants reported that their schools had reliable, sufficient and clean water supply. The study concluded that availability of safe drinking water at schools reduces the likelihood of water-related illnesses, such as diarrhea or other waterborne diseases. In addition, availability to sanitation facilities influence students’ academic performance among secondary school students. This study will give the current WASH scenario of schools in the study area that can help concerned authorities abide by WASH guidelines to improve the school’s WASH situation.

Abstract: Despite all effort that has been shown in addressing the education issues that affect the female students, there is still a gap. Thus, the need to study socio-cultural dynamics influencing management of gender participation in schooling among Mijikenda community. The study was conducted to answer a research question; what is the influence of perceived gender roles on the management of gender participation in schooling among Mijikenda community learners in public secondary schools in Kwale County? This study was guided by the Systems theory and augmented by Maslow’s theory of hierarchy of needs. The study employed a mixed approach and was based on descriptive survey design. The study population was 2209 Mijikenda girls and boys who sat for KCSE in 2018 and 2019 and 49 head teachers at the secondary schools in Kwale County. The sample size was 310 participants. The study found that there was an influence of perceived gender roles on the management of gender participation in schooling among Mijikenda community learners in public secondary schools in Kwale County. There were different influences of gender participation in schooling regarding the marriage expectations for girls. Thus, the study concludes that while some of the identified items were negative for the gender balances, others were positive. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education initiate education programmes that promote enrolment, transition, and academic performance in Kwale county.

Abstract: In Kenya, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGC) is a cultural practice that is widely practiced. Despite interventional efforts to end FGC, progress has been limited both in preventing it and caring for girls and women who have already undergone the cut. The practice has persisted, albeit with some changes. This study sought to examine the place of women in the implementation of FGC interventions on the psychosocial wellbeing of the girl child in Marani Sub-County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the step change theory. The study used interviews and questionnaires to collect qualitative and quantitative data. In this context, quantitative data was collected using questionnaires, analyzed quantitatively. Qualitative data (words/propositions) was collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and analyzed descriptively. The study revealed that stress, stigma, isolation, and marital problems were main psychological effects. Findings from this study conclude that FGC is an ongoing practice within the Gusii community with women and health professionals being the main perpetrators though its practice has reduced drastically compared to previous years. The study recommends an adoption of alternative rites of passage to eliminate the practice. This can be possible through re-socialisation of community members on the need to change this negative tradition for the psychosocial wellbeing of the girl child.

Abstract: Information Technology has changed our societies in a variety of ways, before COVID-19 and after COVID-19. A mobile phone being one of the devices under technological generation is needed in teaching and learning. In higher learning institutions, a great number of students make mobile phones part of useful tools for learning. This study aimed to assess WhatsApp as a collaborative learning tool in Higher Learning Institutions a case in Tanzania. The study used a multi-case method where students from three different Higher Learning Institutions were used as units of inquiry. These students came from different levels and programmes, the institutions were from one private institution and two public institutions. The tool used to collect data was an online form created by google. Data collected was then analysed and processed through the google form and the responses were shown with charts and graphs from google. The study included students from nondegree (certificate and diploma) and undergraduate students from bachelor’s degree. The results indicated that WhatsApp is one of the most favored mobile based applications, especially in HLIs; students use the WhatsApp application in exchanging learning materials with their fellow students and their instructors. Not only that, but the application is also used for opening new collaboration and links with other students from different colleges and universities. Nevertheless, the results showed that some students in higher learning institutions in Tanzania use WhatsApp as a platform to learn new business ideas hence some open businesses while still students at College or University through this platform. The current study recommends that Higher learning institution should have conducive environment for learners to get free internet services throughout in the University compound at the same time having a policy that show rules and regulations to be followed on ways to use the WhatsApp tool.

Abstract: In Kenya, school development planning for public schools involves determining school needs, prioritizing school needs, preparing action plans, implementing and monitoring the plans. Specifically, public schools in Mbeere – North subcounty have always adopted strategic plans as directed by the Ministry of Education. However, schools continue experiencing dismal performance and poor management. Thus, the study assessed the influence of school dynamics in the implementation of strategic plans in public secondary schools in Mbeere North Sub- County, Embu County. The study was guided by two research questions; 1. What is the influence of stakeholder involvement on the implementation of strategic planning? 2. How does the principal’s leadership influence the implementation of strategic planning? The study adopted mixed method approach with an explanatory sequential research design. The study used stratified sampling to select 341 respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data from Board of Management members, teachers and students whereas interview guides were used to collect data from principals, the Sub-County Director of Education and the Quality Assurance Officer. Validity was established through expert judgement. Reliability was determined using test-retest technique. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while quantitative data analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found that secondary schools in Mbeere North Sub- County had long term strategic planning, which if properly implemented, would benefit the stakeholders in schools. The study established that some principals included the stakeholders in the implementation of strategic planning. The study found that effective leadership in strategic planning play the role of making good planning, providing better awareness of needs.

Abstract: This research has been rooted in the Bandura’s (1986) Social Cognitive Theory of learning. The paper investigated how teacher mentorship relates to teachers’ job performance when moderated by head teachers’ management styles. From a pragmatic realist viewpoint, a cross-sectional survey design with concurrent mixed method approach was used in data collection, analysis and interpretation. A questionnaire comprising of Teacher mentorship experience scale, Teacher job performance scale and Leadership behaviour scale was filled by 286 teachers while four school administrators were interviewed. The results revealed a moderate level of mentorship (M = 35.95, SD = 6.78, Min =19, Max=50) and a moderate level of teachers’ job performance (M = 41.58, SD = 5.04, Min=13, Max = 50). Nonetheless, there was a positive significant correlation (r = .398, p < .001) between mentorship and teacher job performance. A multiple regression analysis using Process plugin in SPSS generated a significant moderation effect of head teacher leadership styles on the link between teacher mentorship and teacher job performance within the Johnson-Neyman region of significance. Autocratic leadership increased the effect of mentorship on job performance (B= -0.02, p =.05) by head teachers more than any other styles. This implies that head teachers have to be more directing and instructing in order for their teachers to perform their duties effectively.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of singing games on the moral development of pre-primary school children. Specifically, the study sought to find out the influence of singing games on character formation among pre-primary school children. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The target population was 2,446 respondents, constituting 2000 pre-primary school children, 230 teachers, 215 parents, and the Kisii South Sub-County ECDE Director. Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) table was used to obtain a sample of 331 respondents. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used. Questionnaires, interviews, and observation schedules were used as tools of data collection. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were coded and categorized through the identification of themes and patterns. The study found that most of the children who entirely and actively participated in singing games at school had a positive change in their moral development through character formation, with a correlation value of r=.260. These findings signified that for society to have morally upright children, there is a need for emphasis on more singing games by curriculum designers and educators for effective moral development. The findings will be useful to teachers, educational policymakers and practitioners, and educators in fine-tuning their pedagogical approaches, allocating teaching and learning resources, developing and designing the curriculum, and assessing the effectiveness of singing games on moral development. Finally, this study would help enhance the existing literature upon which potential researchers will base related work.

Abstract: Mount Elgon Forest has declined primarily due to anthropogenic activities. The aim of this paper was to investigate the influence of settlement activities on sustainable household’s livelihoods of inhabitants in Mount Elgon Forest, Bungoma County, Kenya. This study used cross-sectional research design and mixed methodology. The target population was 12842 household heads, 4 ward administrators, 12 chiefs, 1 Kenya Forest service personnel and 1 NEMA official. A sample of 373 household heads, 4 ward administrators, 12 chiefs, 1 Kenya Forest Service Personnel and 1 NEMA official took part in the study. Questionnaires, interview guides and Focus Group Discussions were used to collect data. Validity was determined by consulting supervisors while reliability was ascertained through piloting and use of Cronbach Alpha Coefficient. Quantitative data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, Standard deviation and Pearson Correlation analysis. Qualitative data was thematically classified and arranged before being reported in narrations and quotations. Analyzed data was presented using tables and figures. The study found a significant positive correlation between settlement activities and sustainable households’ livelihoods (r = .614; p = .000). It was recommended that there was a need to devise ways of reducing population density and land fragmentation leading to reduced dependency on forest products. The findings of the study will be crucial to professional bodies and institutions such as Kenya Forest service, Kenya wildlife service and NEMA in relooking at the approaches that enhance livelihoods among forest users and thus come up with strategies for effective management of forests improving on sustainable livelihoods.

Abstract: This study determined the effect of antecedents of attitudes of mobile phone uses towards short messaging service advertising in Eswatini. Two hypotheses: the informativeness of SMS significantly influence attitudes towards SMS advertising, and the entertainment nature of SMS’ significantly influences attitudes toward SMS advertising were tested. A cross-sectional design for the study was selected. The use of cross-sectional design is supported by Levin (2006), Wang and Cheng (2020), Zangirolami-Raimundo, Echeimberg, and Leone (2018) who advance that cross-sectional research design collects data at one point in time and enhances the establishment of preliminary evidence for future studies. The study adopted a non-probability sampling technique, targeting 500 Facebook users. To collect data, a research instrument(questionnaire) was administered using a digital survey, whereby a digital link was sent to Facebook users. To test for reliability, the study constructed a reliability analysis test to ascertain the presence of internal consistency. Informativeness, and entertainment reliability coefficients were found to be higher than 0.7 which indicates the existence of high internal consistency, and the overall reliability coefficient indicates an acceptable (0.834) internal consistency across all the variables when combined. The Analysis of variation was used to ascertain whether informativeness and entertainment were significant predictors of attitudes towards SMS advertising. The results from the ANOVA output revealed that informativeness and entertainment have a significant influence on mobile phone users’ attitudes towards SMS advertising (F(2, 154)=12.602, p=.000). The study concludes that SMS advertising is a credible route to convey entertainment news via mobile phone devices. In essence, mobile phone consumers’ attitudes towards SMS advertising are mainly dependent on entertainment nature of SMS adverts contained in a message, which further implies that mobile phone consumers are enticed by entertainment mature of SMS advertisements.