Effects of non-formal education (N.F.E.) on the nomadic pastoralists' children's participation in education in Kirisia division, Samburu district, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of non-formal education (NFE) on the Nomadic Pastoralists' Children's Participation in Education in Kirisia Division in Samburu District, Kenya. Five research questions were formulated to guide in the study. Researchquestion one was aimed at determining the trend of participation of pupils in the NFE programmes, Research question two aimed at establishing the attitudes of the nomadic pastoralists towards NFE programmes in. Research question three sought to determine the extent to which NFE programmes have enabled pastoralists' children join the formal education. Research question four aimed at determiningthe extent to which NFE programmes have enabled pastoralists' children be able to read and write and research question five sought to identify the effects that NFE programmes have had on the lifestyle of those who have graduated from them. The study applied a descriptive survey design and data was collected through the use of questionnaires and interview guide. The findings revealed that, NFE had increased nomadic pastoralists children participation in education. It was also revealed that the pupils, teachers, headteachers of the primary schools and Reflect circle members had positive attitude towards NFE programmes. The NFE programmes had also enabled the pupils join the formal education sector. The programmes have enabled the pupils know how to read and write. The NFE programmes had improved the standards of living of those who had graduated from the programmes. Based on the findings, it was concluded that NFE programmes have played a great role in the education of the nomadic pastoralists. The study recommended that the government, the NGO' s and other support groups should step in and support the NFE programmes by for example supporting the teachers who are key facilitators of the programmes. The study also recommended systems such as the multi-grade and multi shift, should be supported since they enable the pastoralists children study without interfering with their way of life which is basically nomadism. Further research on the effects of education on nomadic pastoralism should be conducted to establish how the education offered to these people has impacted on the livestock industry.