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Browsing by Author "Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel"

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Developing conflict resolution skills among pre-primary children: Views and practices of naturalized refugee parents and teachers in Tanzania
(SAGE Publications Ltd, 2019) Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel
This study examined parents and teachers’ strategies to develop conflict resolution skills among naturalized refugee pre-primary children in Tanzania. A total of 8 school principals, 18 teachers, and 15 parents – by then serving in the Parent-School Association – were selected on the virtue of their positions. Findings revealed that pre-primary stakeholders preferred adult intervention, religious and vocational lessons, and establishing children’s government as strategies to develop conflict resolution skills. However, there was no specific strategy suggested by the existing curriculum documents. It was reported that poor parent–school relationship, lack of curriculum guidelines, poverty, and poor mastery of Kiswahili – the language of instruction – were the main challenges in developing naturalized former refugee children’s conflict resolution skills. These findings underline that, given the benefit associated with pre-primary education for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and in order to ensure naturalized refugee children are developing to their fullest potentials and integrated into a host society, deliberate efforts are much needed to devising appropriate strategies to develop naturalized refugee children’s constructive conflict resolution skills.
Early childhood education in Tanzania: views and beliefs of stakeholders on its status and development
(Mercy College, 2020) Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel; Mligo, Ignasia Renatus; Machumu, Maregesi A. Manyonyi
Globally, there is consensus among education stakeholders that early childhood education sets a foundation for children’s development, learning, and future life achievements. While global perceptions of early childhood care and education (ECCE) have been broadly explored in other parts of the world, little is known about ECCE in Tanzania even though it is ideally a compulsory part of formal basic education for every child before joining grade one. This study investigated the status of early childhood education (ECE) in Tanzania by critically analyzing the views and beliefs of stakeholders on its status and development. The study recruited two policy makers, 14 ECE college principals, 34 preprimary college tutors, and three ECE academics using a homogeneous sampling technique. Employing a phenomenological research design, the study used questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions (FGD) and documentary analyses in collecting the required data. Findings revealed that while in the policy and curriculum documents ECE holds equal status with other levels of education, it holds extremely low status among education stakeholders, resulting in ill-prepared preservice ECE teachers and limited parent-school engagement. To improve the quality of ECE in Tanzania, stakeholders suggested improvements in the quality and quantity of preservice teachers, including detachment of preprimary classes from primary schools and establishment of an integrated ECCE policy, guidelines, and practices to be completed by an ECCE joint taskforce. Further, in-service training for ECE college tutors and principals is critically important, as is concentration of limited resources in few selected teachers’ colleges.
Early learning of children in Tanzania: A comparison study of naturalized refugee, rural majority, and urban majority population groups
(Springer, 2018) Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel; Rao, Nirmala
This study compares school readiness and family experiences of children of naturalized refugees with the learning and experiences of a rural majority population group and urban majority population group in Tanzania. A total of 150 pre-primary children (50 in each group) were selected and completed a modified version of the School Readiness Composite of the Bracken’s Basic Concept Scale-Receptive. Additionally, 45 parents of the children (15 from each group) were interviewed to explore the influences of demographic factors, home and health contexts on children’s early learning. School readiness of the naturalized refugee group was higher than that of the rural majority population and comparable to skills of the urban majority population group. Parental home practices, beliefs, and expectations about education were possible influences on why naturalized refugee children demonstrated comparable early attainment to that of the urban majority. Naturalized refugee parents considered that their children’s education was a path to upward social mobility. These findings highlight the importance of fostering the early learning and developmental potential of all disadvantaged groups in sub-Saharan Africa.
Early reading and mathematics attainments of children of self-settled recently naturalized refugees in Tanzania
(ELSEVIER, 2019) Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel; Rao, Nirmala
This study compares the literacy and numeracy attainments of naturalized refugees and the majority rural and urban local children in Tanzania. Samples of 150 pupils were administered Early Grades Reading/Mathematics Assessment. Further, 45 parents and three principals were individually interviewed. Results indicate that naturalized refugees outperformed both urban and rural majority on literacy measures. On numeracy tests, naturalized refugees outperformed the rural majority and had comparable attainment to the urban majority. Demographic and SES variables predicted both reading and mathematics attainments. Interviews revealed that naturalized refugee families prioritized children’s education as a path to integration into the host society.
Harmony or chaos? Beliefs and practices about conflicts among naturalized refugee children in Tanzania
(Springer, 2020) Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel
The current study explored beliefs and practices on the main types and common causes of conflicts among naturalized refugee pre-primary children in rural Tanzania. A region with highest number of naturalized refugees in Tanzania was purposively selected. A total of 12 children were involved in the focus group discussion; nine classroom teachers, and three school principals from three pre-primary schools were individually interviewed. To gain insights on home contexts, six parents who had children in pre-primary classes were visited at their homes and interviewed on individual sessions. A number of policy and practical documents were critically analyzed. Findings revealed that the main types of conflicts among naturalized refugee children were teacher-induced and pupil-induced. Further, it was found that the main causes of conflicts among children of this group were related to scarcity of resources and social issues. These findings highlight that in order to ensure that naturalized refugee children are developing to their fullest potentials and integrated into a host Tanzanian society, deliberate efforts are much needed to understand common types and main causes of conflicts. This will help in devising appropriate strategies to develop children’s constructive conflict-resolution skills.
Is fathers’ involvement in young children’s development and learning in the early years important? Experiences from the caregivers in Tanzania
(Mercy College, 2019) Basil, Pambas Tandika; Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel
There has been an increased interest among researchers and policy makers on fathers' involvement and its implications for children's wellbeing and learning. Existing empirical evidences from developed countries have documented fathers' essential role that it successfully improves children's development and learning. However, there is dearth of evidence from developing countries, especially from Sub-Sahara African contexts. This study was designed to establish Tanzanian experiences particularly Kimamba village in Kilosa District-on fathers' involvement in children's development and schooling dimensions. Descriptive exploratory study design guided collection and analysis of data of the rural context. A total of 23 fathers were recruited for focus group interviews. The analysis of data revealed that fathers had good understanding of their roles and involvement in child-rearing and learning for mastering social and economic welfare of their children, families and the larger population. Fathers indicate that their involvement has significant contribution to children's development across schooling periods and later in life. Their responses range from preparing home environment and crafting home-based timetable for the child to adhere to when at home and during after-school hours. The study concludes that, in a context with limited educational resources, parenting education is important for both fathers and mothers. This may ultimately lead to closer parental involvement and collaboration in child-rearing and caring. It therefore recommended that Social Welfare Officers in collaboration with District Education Officers and teachers should organise and run sensitization programmes to improve fathers' involvement in children's development and learning.
Pre-primary education policy in Tanzania: Does it meet the educational needs of newly naturalized refugee children?
(Mercy College, 2018) Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel; Rao, Nirmala
Over the past five decades Tanzania has hosted over two million refugees, about 200,000 of whom have been naturalized as Tanzania citizens. Children from this group face numerous challenges within the mainstream educational system. This paper considered education policy in Tanzania, with a specific focus on access to quality pre-primary education for children of naturalized refugees. It analyzes relevant policy documents published from 2006 –the year before Tanzania started its latest refugee naturalization phase, to 2016. The 2014 Tanzania Education and Training Policy (ETP), the Pre-primary Curriculum, and the Pre-primary Schools Guide give the most focus to pre-primary education. Three National Five-year Development Plans considered all levels of formal education, except the pre-primary level. Findings revealed that policy documents articulate a commitment to providing equal educational opportunities for all people, regardless of their background, acknowledge existing problems with the educational system and make sensible recommendations. These include abolishing fees in all public schools; increasing flexibility in the choice and use of languages of instruction; decentralizing of program management and accountability; and, recommendations related to curriculum issues. However, the associated working documents do not suggest specific strategic and implementation plans to meet the intended goals, nor do they prioritize increasing educational participation for naturalized refugee children.
Pre-primary teachers’ preparedness in integrating information and communication technology in teaching and learning in Tanzania
(Emerald Publishing, 2019) Tandika, Pambas Basil; Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel
Purpose Integration and use of technology in teaching and learning in the education sector from pre-primary education (PPE) to the higher levels of education, is a policy issue. In developed countries, including Tanzania, information and communication technology (ICT), especially in PPE, is inadequately researched for laying evidence on its applicability in instruction and learning. Therefore, this paper aims to determine pre-primary teachers’ preparedness in integrating ICT in classroom instruction and challenges teachers face in integrating it for child’s meaningful learning. Design/methodology/approach Methods and instruments: a qualitative transcendental phenomenological approach was used in determining teachers’ preparedness in integrating ICT in PPE in Tanzania. It was further used to collect data that describe the teaching and learning through the integration of ICT in every session as their lived experience for pre-primary teachers. Its selection was appropriate as it allowed researchers to systematically analyse for description the commonalities and differences existing among the involved teachers in integrating ICT in teaching and learning as their lived experiences (Moerer-Urdahl and Creswell, 2004). To appropriately analyse teachers’ understanding and experiences regarding ICT and its integration in teaching and learning in pre-primary classes, semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires were used for in-depth understanding of the study problem. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data through open-ended questions where researchers took an average of 40 min per session with participants’ (teachers) using notebooks to take note of their thoughts, feelings and beliefs about ICT integration in PPE. Use of the semi-structured interview was based on the reality that it provides in-depth information pertaining to participants’ experiences and viewpoints of a particular topic (Turner, 2010). Once the interview session was complete, each teacher was given a questionnaire to fill in for triangulating their experiences. Description of participants: a total of 14 schools constituting 28 teachers were purposively sampled and engaged in this study. Analysis of participants’ demographic characteristics indicates that all of the involved teachers had certificate in teacher education that qualified them as primary school teachers. Meanwhile, 18 (66.7 per cent) of the pre-primary school teachers who were involved in this study were female with only 10 (33.3 per cent) had working experience at and above five years of teaching in early grade classes. Study participants (teachers) from Itilima and Meatu Districts were purposively involved in the study as their experiences in young children’s learning and contextual influences (educational and training policy of 2014, the ICT policy of 2007, and foreign studies) are potential in improving the quality of learning. Study area: the current study was conducted in two districts (Itilima and Meatu) all found in Simiyu region. The two districts were selected and considered appropriate by the study as they constituted the 17 most disadvantaged rural areas in Tanzania (Mosha et al., 2015). Authors describe the two districts as having poor educational outcomes mainly relatively low pass rates in the primary school leaving examination results. In Itilima, one ward out of 22 was studied in which its six schools [with a total of 12 teachers] among 87 schools in the district were involved. While in Meatu district, eight of 121 schools [with a total of 16 teachers] in one ward of 29 wards were studied. This implies that a total of 14 schools and 28 teachers were involved in this study. Data analysis: the data collected through the interviews and open-ended questionnaires were subjected to content analysis procedures (reading and re-reading notes and transcripts followed by a three-steps-coding process consisting of open, axial and selective coding procedures). The analysis process was informed by the Vagle’s (2014) six steps for phenomenological research data analysis procedure (holistic reading of the entire text, first line-by-line reading, follow up questions, second line-by-line reading, third line-by-line reading, and subsequent readings). Practically, the researchers read and re-read the texts and transcribed data from the language used during data collection that is Kiswahili, into the reporting language that is English. Following transcription, data were coded for developing categories of data through axial and elective coding processes. Findings The data analysis was conducted and results and its discussion are presented in three sub-sections: preparedness of teachers in using ICT in teaching and learning; teachers’ views about the integration of ICT in teaching and learning; and challenges faced by teachers in integrating ICT in teaching and learning. Teacher’s preparedness in the use of ICT in teaching: exploration of teachers’ preparedness in integrating ICT in teaching and learning was preceded by exploration of teachers’ understanding of ICT in teaching and learning. Analysis revealed that majority of teachers were aware about ICT in teaching and learning and they understood it as the implementation of curriculum at school level that involves use of ICT-based facilities such as television, mobile phones, computer and radio. Teacher elaborated that appropriate use of ICT-based facilities that would later develop children to potentially improve their understanding and practical application in daily life. Other teachers understood ICT in teaching and learning as use of printed materials [newspapers and magazines] in facilitating pupil’s learning of planned lessons. While other teachers were aware of what ICT means the second category of teachers as noted in their responses, had limited understanding, as to them, ICT in education meant use of printed materials. Difference in teachers’ understanding of the ICT in teaching and learning also indicate some teachers viewing it as use of ICT facilities in developing children’s competencies in the specific subject. In the teachers’ views, ICT is considered as subject content and they delimited their understanding into that perspective ignoring it as technological use for facilitating meaningful learning in all subjects. Their views are based on the development of children with competencies useful in facilitating further learning in the subject known as Teknolojia ya Habari na Mawasiliano. Following the question based on exploring teachers’ understanding of ICT in teaching and learning, researchers explored teachers’ preparedness in using ICT in teaching and learning. Table 1.0 illustrates teachers’ multiple responses regarding their preparation. Table I: teacher’s preparedness in using ICT in teaching and learning. S/N; preparedness; freq; and per cent. Enhancing child’s understanding on the use of ICT-based facilities-20, 71.4; using remedial sessions teaching ICT-12, 42.8; using ICT-based facilities for teaching other classes-8, 28.5. Table 1.0 illustrates that teachers are prepared to enable children use ICT to access information and more knowledge related to their school subjects and general life. They were of the view that ICT could serve well in areas where text and supplementary books are scares or torn-out by pupils because were poorly bound or due to poor quality of papers used. Therefore, availability of ICT facilities in schools would become important resource-materials for pupils, as well as teachers. For instance, a teacher said that; Availability of ICT facilities, such as computers in schools will help us in preparing notes or content for supplementing their learning. Different from the paper-based notes, computers will keep our notes properly compared to the papers that get easily displaced and hard to retrieve notes when lost (Interview, 20 April 2016). In addition to the use of ICT facilities in serving as resource material, their use in schools would aid pupils and teachers to use them beyond teaching and learning. Teachers narrated that children may find games and puzzles that all help in stimulating their thinking, hence interest in schooling and further learning. Teachers also said they are prepared to use even extra hours that are beyond school timetable to ensure children learn well to meet the uncovered periods once facilities are placed in school. Use of extra hours beyond the normal school timetable comm. Research limitations/implications The study was limited to the accessed and involved schools as some schools were found to have no specific teachers teaching a pre-primary class on reasons the responsible teacher for the class had retired. As a result, researchers spend extended time to travel and reach schools that were located far from one school to the other. Again, some teachers were reluctant in participation on reasons that researchers are evaluating their competency for reporting to the higher authorities. Practical implications Differences in teachers’ understanding of the ICT in teaching and learning also indicate some teachers viewing it as the use of ICT facilities in developing pupils’ competencies in the specific subject. In the teachers’ views, ICT is considered as subject content and they delimited their understanding into that perspective ignoring it as technological use for facilitating meaningful learning in all subjects. Effective integration of ICT for efficiency in instruction depends on the teacher’s preparedness especially competency in using the equipments and infrastructures especially electric power. Social implications Integration of Information and Communication Technology in teaching and learning in PPE is socially important in the view that all children regardless of their background (urban or rural, affluent or poor) benefits in learning through use of technology. The children’s access to education integrating ICT would ensure equal opportunities for quality learning outcomes. In contrast, lack of exposing young children early in using ICT facilities for interaction and learning would adversely impact their participation in knowledge sharing in later years of schooling and employability opportunities. Originality/value There is limited empirical evidence about teachers' engagement in research particularly in PPE in Tanzania. Together with limited research in the level of education, this study is the original contribution to state of teachers at the school level about their engagement in integrating information and communication technology for informing education decision makers and administrators on matters of focus to improve educational instruction and implementation of Tanzania education and training policy, as well as the implementation of the ICT policy of 2016.
The question of university graduates' employability: Are the students aware of the employers' preferences
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2022) Tandika, Pambas; Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to university students' awareness of the employers preferred competencies and the educational level capable of readying them satisfactory for the demands of the world of work. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative approach exploratory research design, data were gathered in an informal and unstructured manner, researchers identified undergraduate students' awareness of employers' preferred competencies of the graduates. Findings Undergraduate students overestimated academic credentials while ignoring soft skills as employers' preferences. Nevertheless, they were worried about their capability to compete adequately when seeking employment despite identifying university level of education as the most appropriate for developing and enhancing their employability. Research limitations/implications The study involved mostly second-year students from one college of the seven colleges constituting the University of Dodoma. Practical implications There is a need for university education to integrate and emphasize the non-cognitive skills for adequately and holistically preparing future employees with adequate knowledge and skills to thrive in the world of work demands. Social implications There likelihood that a lack of confidence would impact their participation in academia and work/job. Hence, lower down their productivity and inadequately contribute to social and national economic growth. Originality/value The value of these findings is that they identify, inform and can be used to enhance university education programming for improved graduate's employability.
The role of parental involvements in children’s acquisition of Kiswahili pre-reading skills in Tanzania
(Longbridge Publishing Company Limited, 2022) Edward, Geraldina; Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel; Shukia, Richard
This study explored the role of parental involvements in children’s acquisition of Kiswahili pre-reading skills in Tanzania. Specifically, it compared rural public high performing schools and low performing schools. Stratified random sampling and purposive sampling were used to obtain 350 participants. Data were collected through questionnaire-based-interview, semi-structured interview, focus group discussion, and tests administration methods. An independent sample t-test and thematic analyses were employed. Results indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in involvements between parents from high performing schools (M= 33.39, SD = 9.79), and those from low performing schools (M= 31.74, SD = 9.93); t (152) = 1.040, p >.05 in learning activities. This implies that parental involvements in learning activities were less associated with children’s acquisition of Kiswahili pre-reading skills. Findings from interviews and FGDs revealed that parental involvements were hindered by lack of parents’ knowledge about pre-primary education, limited parental support, and effects of home learning environment. To maximize children’s pre-reading skills, the study recommends that parents should be informed about their involvement in learning activities
STEM starts early: Views and beliefs of early childhood education stakeholders in Tanzania
(Istanbul Kultur University, 2020) Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel; Tandika, Pambas Basilius
For about a decade, Tanzania has intensely focused on developing literacy and numeracy skills in pre-primary and early grades programs. Recently, the attention has shifted towards the significance of teaching Science, Mathematics, Technology and Science (STEM) in the early years. To enhance the 21st century skills necessary for building a middle income and knowledge-based economies, the existing empirical evidence emphasizes the need for STEM education starting from the pre-primary level. This paper aims to unpack the state of STEM education in pre-primary education in Tanzania. By using homogenous purposive sampling, two policy-makers, three ECE academics, eight school principals, and eight pre-primary teachers from rural and urban public schools were recruited. Data were collected by interviews, semi-structured survey questionnaires, and documentary analyses. Though there was consensus among ECE stakeholders that children should be exposed to STEM environments as early as possible, findings indicated that even among ECE practitioners, there is a very vague understanding of what entails of STEM education in ECE. Further, while teachers were aware and guided to facilitate science and mathematics education, they were not aware and there were no specific policy briefs/circular instructions on how to facilitate Technology and Engineering education in ECE. The paper concludes with suggestions on how to integrate STEM in early childhood education, especially for Tanzania.
Timely promotion as a motivation factor for job performance among pre-primary school teachers: Observations from Tanzania
(Türkiye Okul Öncesi Eğitimini Geliştirme Derneği, 2019) Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel; Tandika, Pambas Basilius
The study explored the role of timely promotion as a motivational factor among pre-primary school teachers. Two districts (1 urban affluent and 1 rural poor) were selected. Stratified purposive sampling was used in the selection of 16 schools - 08 from each district; 32 pre-primary school teachers – 04 from each school, and 08 school principals – 01 from each school. Data were collected through interviews, questionnaires and documentary review. Regardless of urbanicity, findings revealed that the primary responsibility of teachers was to ensure children’s holistic development. Achievement of this role solely depended on timely promotion and other motivational factors such as the involvement of teachers in decision making, appreciation from educational officers, and good working conditions. It recommends that joint efforts among pre-primary education stakeholders should timely promote teachers, pay their salary arrears, upwardly review teachers’ welfare packages, and the conditions of services.
Towards global peace and sustainability: Role of education in peace-building in the great lakes region of sub-saharan Africa
(IntechOpen, 2020) Ndijuye, Laurent Gabriel; Tandika, Pambas Basil
The Great Lakes Region of sub-Saharan Africa is well known for being volatile and turbulent in terms of peace and stability. For over 60 years, almost all countries in the region have experienced some kind of political and social turmoil such as civil war, coup de tat, and genocides. In 1960, the first democratically elected Congolese prime minister was assassinated. There were unprecedented social and political havoc in a nearby “other Congo” characterized by power struggle between various political and ethnic factions in the post-independence Congo Brazzaville. In Burundi and Rwanda, ethnic tensions between the Tutsi and Hutu engulfed the developmental dreams of nationalist freedom fighters until 2015. Though arguably stable, Tanzania has experienced its own share of socio-political messy including the 1998 Mwembechai and 2001 Pemba massacres. Efforts to build a sense of sustainable peace and development based on mutual understanding and socio-political harmony has brought limited success. In all these countries, the missing link in building sustainable peace and security has been a lack of education. The chapter intends to fill this gap by critically analyzing the potential role of basic education, especially pre-primary and early grades education, in sustainable peace-building in the sub-Saharan context.

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