Determinants of implementation of islamic integrated education programme in public preschools in Habaswein District, Wajir County, Kenya

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the factors that determine implementation of Islamic Integrated Education Programme in the public early childhood centres in Habaswein district. Five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The objectives included establishing the level of monitoring of the IIEP by the education officers; examining the preschool teachers’ preparedness in IIEP implementation; assessing the level of support offered by parents as well as non-governmental organizations towards IIEP implementation and establishing whether the availability of relevant teaching and learning materials influence the implementation of IIEP. The study adopted the descriptive survey design to find out factors that influence effective implementation of Islamic Integrated Education Programme (IIEP). The sample comprised of two DICECE trainers, 15 head teachers, 15 preschool teachers and 75 parents. Thus, a total number of 107 respondents participated in the study. The data for this study were collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, and observation checklist. Data were analyzed by use of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Findings indicated that the level of monitoring of Islamic Integrated Education Programme by Education Officers influenced the implementation of IIEP in the public early childhood centres in Habaswein district. Half of the trainers rated the implementation in the district being poor while the same number said the implementation was fair. The data shows that parents’ support had a positive influence on the implementation of Islamic Integrated Education Programme in the public early childhood centres. The study also revealed that availability of relevant instructional materials influenced the implementation of IIEP positively. Findings also revealed that the level of support by Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) influenced the IIEP implementation. It was also concluded that preschool teacher preparedness had a positive influence on the implementation of IIEP. For example teachers who have undergone IIEP training implemented the programme in their classes. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should set clear methods and frequencies of monitoring of Islamic Integrated Education Programme. There should be proper training for the preschool teachers so that they can effectively implement the IIEP. Parents should be encouraged to participate in the running of the programme for successful implementation of IIEP. The government and other agents involved in the IIEP should provide adequate instructional materials and equipment for effective implementation of IIEP. The study suggested that a study on the effectiveness of government policy on the implementation of IIEP programme in the country should be conducted. A study on the influence of IIEP on pupil access to education in the areas covered by the programme should also be conducted and finally a study on the influence of community participation on IIEP implementation should be conducted.