The Status Of Girls’ Hostel Services In Rural Community Secondary Schools: A Case Of Igunga District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT

The main focus of this study was to assess the status of girls’ hostel services in rural community secondary schools, a case of Igunga district in Tanzania. The study was guided by General Systems Theory and Chaos Theory. It was a cross-sectional survey conducted through a mixed research approach, mainly dominated by qualitative research approach and complemented by quantitative elements. A total of 84 participants were purposively and randomly selected from four sampled schools. Semi-structured interview, questionnaires, documentary review and field observation were used to collect data. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used in data processing and analysis. Results from the study revealed that basic physical infrastructures lacked while important facilities and social services were under- established. The study further revealed that hostels had low enrollment rate, experienced inadequate resources and lacked qualified social workers. Furthermore, the findings established that available services and facilities did not meet the minimum standards. The study suggested sensitization of parents to accommodate girls in hostels, recruitment of trained hostel staff, provision of hostel scholarship, rainwater harvesting project, advocacy and lobby support from stakeholders and establishment of district fund for girls’ hostel projects. The study recommended instituting hostel policy and legal framework, introducing hostel bursary scheme, capacity building to school administrators on resource mobilization and school development planning while other local aspects should be instituted for smooth operation of girls’ hostels in community secondary schools. Lastly, suggestions for further research were made.