| dc.description.abstract | The focus of the study was to examine the factors that influence child participation in Compassion International Kenya projects in Nakuru District. This was motivated by the declining attainment of the child development outcomes due to low participation of children in Compassion projects. Adults, social and political structures, culture and socio economic factors are all frequently cited as the main barriers to child participation. Child participation is one of four guiding principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Despite the varied and convincing arguments put forward and almost universal ratification of the CRC, child participation strategies, face formidable obstacles in many regions. In many developing countries, children are charged with significant domestic responsibilities such as to care for the small children, livestock rearing, or tending the family agricultural plot which can influence their environment in a variety of ways denying children their participation in project activities.
Children make up 50% of the population in many countries of the world, their views and capacities can make a crucial contribution to the development of their societies. The purpose of this study therefore was to investigate the factors that influence children participation on Compassion International Kenya projects in Nakuru district. Reviewed literature revealed that, the strongest determinants of children project attendance in sub-Saharan Africa are the household wealth and the mother's education. The socio-economic and cultural factors globally impede participation and it can be insinuated that there is a correlation between caregivers' involvement in student learning and student achievement. The study attempted to answer over and above the impacts on child participation; economic factors, socio cultural factors, the caregivers' knowledge, attitudes and perceptions were all analyzed.
The study was able to provide a comprehensive description of the factors that influence children participation in Compassion International Kenya assisted projects in Nakuru cluster. A descriptive survey design was used to collect information from a cross section of respondents selected in the study area. The findings of this study reviewed a number of policy recommendations that Compassion International Kenya and its partners can incorporate in their programs to enhance children participation not only in Nakuru District but also in all its projects in Kenya. The study suggested four areas for further research. | en_US |
