Dissertation (MA Education)
This study explored the influence of cultural factors on the primary schools pupils‟ drop out in Mpwapwa District, in Dodoma Region. The study is mainly qualitative with some elements of quantitative approach. It was guided by Ecological System theory developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner in 1979. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires and documentary review. The cross section research design was used to guide the study. Samples were drawn using simple random and purposive sampling to select the 183 of respondents, 120 Pupils, 46 ECT, 5 AT, 5 HT, 4 WEOs, 3 DEAO, QT and DEO. The data collected were analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22 and thematic analysis Analysis of the data generated revealed that cultural factors, including early marriages, early pregnancies, and child labour led to drop out among primary school pupils. On the other hand, it was revealed that parents tend to force their pupils from schooling system as they claim that they are incapable of supplying them with the school needs including the learning materials, uniforms just to mention a few. The study recommended some strategies to reduce cultural factors on primary school pupils‟ drop out. These factors are such as the introduction of school feeding programme, enacting strictly rules, laws and regulations to be adhered by parents who by any means contribute to their pupils school dropout at the early ages of studies. Also, the study recommended that pupils should be educated about identifying and reporting immediately when they are indicators of violation of human rights which threaten the development of children in schooling system.