Influence of Peer Pressure on Secondary School Students Dropout in Nanyamba Town Council, Mtwara, Tanzania

Abstract

School dropout is among the phenomena challenging youth to achieve education and related skills to make them competitive in today’s global economy. This study explored the influence of socioeconomic factors and the dropping out of secondary school students; the extent of school dropout; and established the strategies for overcoming the school dropout syndrome at Nanyamba Town Council. The study utilized a qualitative approach using a study sample which included five headmasters, five class teachers, five class monitors, one ward educational officer, one quality assurance officer and one headquarters officer. A semi-structured interview was used for data collection. Findings disclosed that socioeconomic factors lead to students dropping out of school due to a lack of awareness of the importance of education and illiteracy in families. Parents’ low income and cultural aspects such as early marriage and early pregnancy. Divorce, lack of family planning, negative attitudes towards education especially for girls and parents' deaths were also found to be the problems leading to school dropout. Among the recommendations given are: the provision of scholastic materials, the provision of lunch by schools, mass mobilization and the need to sensitize the community on education to make them aware of the importance of secondary education