Copping Strategies Among Orphans In Enhancing Their Academic Achievements In Tanzania

ABSTRACT

This study explored the copping strategies among orphans in enhancing their academic achievements in Tanzania. The study was conducted in four public primary schools in Dodoma Municipality involving a total number of 133 participants composed of 32 teachers (20 female and 12 male), 96 orphans (46 boys and 50 girls) and 4 head teachers (1 female and 3 male) and 1 DEO. The study employed two sampling techniques; purposive sampling to obtain head teachers and DEO, and simple random sampling to obtain primary school teachers and orphan pupils. Furthermore, the study employed a descriptive study design through mixed approach where semi-structured interview, questionnaire and documentary analysis were involved in data collection. The data were analysed based on themes and resulted into the emergence of different sub-themes. Data obtained through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and documentary review provided an opportunity to understand the coping strategies adopted by orphans in enhancing their academic achievements. The study findings revealed that, orphans are facing several challenges including school and home related challenges. On other hand, the study reported several strategies adopted by orphans in enhancing their academic achievement in primary schools including engaging in manual activities such as being hired for digging in peoples‟ farm grinding stones, weeding and harvesting in peoples‟ farm. Furthermore, the study revealed several mechanisms that can be adopted in order to help orphans enhance their academic achievements which were categorized in four main groups; government support, community, school and NGOs support. The research concluded that, orphans are facing many challenges which hinder their academic achievements ranging from school related to home related challenges. Despite the challenges orphans adopt different strategies which help them to overcome challenges they face. However, the strategies they do adopt have positive and negative impacts to their school life as well as home life. Therefore, joint cooperation between different stakeholders such as the government, community, school and different NGOs is needed in order to help orphans access their primary education.