Challenges facing vulnerable children's' participation in public primary schools in Kasipul Division in Rachuonyo South District, Kenya

Abstract

All over the world, education is recognized to have both private and social returns. This has been the justification by individuals, groups and the states in investment in education. The cballenges of educational acbievement threaten to lead to social classes and tend to widen the gap between the rich and the poor. Through education we can reduce illiteracy, diseases, poverty and accelerate sustainable development. On of the major education challenges in Kenya is the education of vulnerable children which has not been very effective though there is free primary education. In Kasipul Division, Rac1monyo South District the education of vulnerable children in public primary schools bas faced various challenges deterring them from participating well.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges facing vulnerable children's participation in primary education in public schools in Kasipul Division. The research study was guided by research questions that included establishing discipline behaviours influencing vulnerable children, to determine the influence of vulnerable children living with non parents, to assess the limitations of FPE policy on vulnerable children, to determine the influence on the cost of uniforms and sanitary towels on vulnerable children in their participation in free primary education.

The study adopted a survey design. The sampling procedures used were stratified sampling to obtain random sampling. Three sets of questionnaire and a focus group discussion were administered to illicit appropriate responses. Data obtained was analyzed synthesized and presented using the statistical package for social sciences. This program enables univariate analysis, giving rise to frequency distribution and percentages presented ill pie charts, bar graphs and tables (Nachmias & Nachmias 1996).

The findings of the study showed that vulnerable children could not participate in free primary education due to orphanhood and poverty which leads to child headed families living witb non parents and lack of basic needs. In view of the above findings, the study recommends that the government should introduce free feeding program in all public primary schools to cater for the vulnerable children. The government should pay extra levies for vulnerable children. The study recommends the sensitization of parents and guardians regarding FPE so that they become aware of their responsibilities to their children rather than living everything to the government.