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This study investigated the contribution of guidance and counselling services in the
prevention of early marriages among primary school pupils in Mtwara Municipality.
Samples of respondents were obtained through simple random sampling and
purposive sampling where a total of 90 participants were sampled. This sample
consisted of 50 pupils, 20 teachers and 20 parents. Pupils and teachers were all from
Public primary schools from Mtwara, Southern part of Tanzania. The study
employed case study using qualitative approach. Study findings were generated
through semi –structured interviews, open ended questionnaires and documentary
review. Kurt Lewin‟s change theory was adopted as a guiding post for conducting
the study.
The findings suggested that there is an irregular provision of guidance and
counselling services in public primary schools, insisting on academic and discipline
issues. However, the major problems hindering the quality provision of guidance and
counselling services are lack of experts or trained teachers, poor integration of
guidance and counseling service into the curriculum, absence of aids in guidance and
counseling services, traditional customs and pressure from politicians. For enhancing
an effective provision of guidance and counseling services, the study suggests
integration of guidance and counselling services into the school curriculum, capacity
building for teachers, provision of aids in guidance and counseling services, regular
provision of guidance and counselling and access to education.
Based on the findings, the study concludes that effective guidance and counseling
services have a great contribution towards the prevention of early marriages. The
current study, therefore recommends the improvement of the provision of guidance
and counselling services in schools. Guidance and counseling helps to brighten the
lives of many youths, as it promotes emotional maturity, personality development,
self-responsibility, creativity and the ability to solve problems. |
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