Challenges Facing Primary School Pupils from Single Parent Families towards Education Achievements in Arusha City

Paulina C. Mahanyu
Email: paulinamsuya63@gmail.com

Christine Mnjokava
St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Arusha.
Email:cmnjokava@yahoo.com

Abstract: The study assessed the challenges facing pupils from single parent families towards academic achievement in Arusha city council. The objectives of the study were to; examine the challenges facing pupils from single parent families in primary school and explore the possible solutions to the challenges facing pupils from single parent families in primary school education. Attachment Theory guided the study. Mixed methods approach was adopted. Target population of the study was 1055 and sample size of 108 respondents from public primary schools were involved in the study. Purposive sampling technique was employed for both teachers and pupils. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. Content validity was validated through the expert judgment. Reliability was determined using test re-test technique and reliability index, r=0.835 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha Method. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 25. The obtained results were presented in tables of frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically alongside research questions. The study established that economic hardship, lack of parental care, lack of G/C and socialization are the major challenges facing pupils from single parent families towards their education achievements. In recommendation, pupils from single parent’s families with low income should be identified, assisted and mentored towards their education. The government needs to set a budget for those pupils in need. The school administration should encourage teachers to offer G/C services to single parent pupils in order to encourage them to work hard in their academics.