| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of HIV/AIDS on the achievement of formal education in selected municipal primary school in Thika west district. HIV I AIDS presents unprecedented challenge to the world of education. It is reversing gains in education especially in third world countries. It is the single most greatest challenge to the struggling education systems of third world countries. It affects the quality and quantity of education adversely.
This study was conducted in 23 primary schools. Theories and literature on HlV I AIDS and education were reviewed and a conceptual framework developed to guide the study. Data was collected from teachers and pupils by use of questionnaires. The collected data was quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions which are basic analytical methods were used to understand the characteristics of the sample. Frequencies were used to summarize percentages of the distribution of the study variables.
The findings revealed that good proportion of learners are at risk of dropping out of school as a result of erratic attendance, poor concentration and performance, and emotional and behavioral disturbances due to HIV I AIDS. The study found out that learners affected by HIV/AIDS faced various challenges that create obstacles to access education such as inadequate food, money for school fees, uniforms and books. The study also revealed that learners who had lost loved ones faced trauma and stigmatization.
From the findings of this study, it is evident that HlV/AIDS is a major challenge to education within Thika municipality. The study recommends that the government should put in place regulations that will ensure that the right to education, protection and health of orphaned children are protected. The study further recommends that the Ministry of Education and that of Gender and Social Services should collaborate in ensuring that children living with HIV I AIDS are protected in schools and at home to ensure that such children receive good education. | en_US |
