Effect of nutrition on participation of pre-school children in Kirimara zone

Abstract

Investment in the schooling of children and youth in developing countries is widely recognized as essential for adult productivity and wages, psycho-social and physical health and well-being, and marriage outcomes, and in turn, for encouraging economic development. The purpose of this study was to investigate tlfe effect of nutrition on participation of pre-school children in Kirimara Zone. The specific objectives of the study were; To determine the effect of nutrition on participation of pre-school children in Kirirnara Zone, to investigate whether nutrition has an effect on attendance of preschool children in Kirirnara Zone, to establish the effect of nutrition on enrollment of pre-school children in Kirimara Zone and to establish the effect of nutrition on retention of pre-school children in Kirimara Zone. The research adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of the study was the preschools in Kirimara Zone in Buuri District. The sample size of the study was 200 preschool children as well as 10 teachers who guided them in answering the questions. The study concluded Nutritional status leads to a poor health and susceptibility to illnesses. Attendance of the children in the school was irregular while an equal number of the teachers were of the opinion that the attendance in their school was either regular or moderate. The study also concludes that nutrition affects school enrolment to a great extent and that enrolments in some schools were either moderate or low. Finally, the study concludes that nutrition determines the level of retention in the pre-schools which in determined by cases of school dropouts .. The study recommends that teachers provide a conducive environment that is favorable for learning and it is the duty of the pupils to take charge and work hard. This way the school and parents will enhance retention levels, increase enrolment levels, lower school drop levels as well as maintaining attendance levels. Proper and adequate facilities and features should be introduced with the help of all the stakeholders. An awareness and information dissemination sessions should be introduced to help parents learn their mandate when it comes to provision of quality nutrition. Teachers should be well motivated to help the pre-school children with the day to day problems of the classwork and other challenges. The schools should introduce feeding programs that ensures all the diet composition are present. Parents could be encouraged to buy affordable nutrition supplements for their children.