The Contribution of Uganda Primary Education to the Socio-Economic Development of Primary Seven Leavers in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Kibaale Town Council.

Abstract

TALAGABOINE JOHN (2010-MO93-10042) The Contribution of Uganda Primary Education to the Socio-Economic Development of Primary Seven Leavers in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Kibaale Town Council. The study topic was “The contribution of the Uganda Primary Education to the Socio-Economic Development of Primary Seven (P7) leavers in Kibaale Town Council, Kibaale district”. The general purpose of the study was to establish the relationship between the Uganda Primary Education and the socio-economic development of P7 graduates by studying its contribution to the socio-economic development. Specifically, the study focused on the contribution of Primary Education, challenges that retard its contribution and if improved Primary Education would increase its contribution to the socio-economic development of P7 leavers. The study was conducted using a case study design applying both qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect and analyse raw data. These approaches were preferred because they enable thorough investigation of a single case; ease the generation of attitudes, opinions, and experiences besides enabling the interaction between the researcher and respondents. Raw data were collected using interview guides and questionnaire forms because they enable interaction of the researcher with the respondents, and clarification of the questions. The sample included 60 P7 leavers, 12 teachers, 40 other community members, 4 local leaders, and 1 community development officer. These categories of people were preferred because they are implementers of government programmes for socio-economic development. The other community members and P7 graduates are directly affected by the prevailing situation in the study area. The study findings revealed that Primary Education contributes to the socio-economic development of P7 leavers but to a smaller extent hence, reducing the relationship between Primary Education and the socio-economic development. One hundred percent (100%) of the respondents subjected to questionnaires agreed on this and so were those subjected to interviews. The contributions of Primary Education include, availing P7 graduates with simple skills of leadership at a family level(17%), clearing access roads(33%), engage in small scale projects for a moderate living (50% ) and somehow some skills to relate well with others in the society (25%). Primary Education in Uganda is faced with several challenges that retard its contribution to society. They include inadequate curriculum, infrastructure and capital, lack of parent support, poor implementation strategies, inefficient leadership, and generally lack of concerted effort among the different stakeholders. Improved Primary Education can raise its contribution to the socio-economic livelihoods of P7 leavers though not to an advanced level as it is in other developed countries. However, it would provide a basis for better livelihoods in developing countries. The researcher concluded that many people have received Primary Education hence, accessibility has been achieved. However, their socio-economic development still leaves a lot to be desired because of the poor quality of education being rendered now. Therefore, the extent to which Primary Education has contributed to the socio-economic development of P7 graduates is smaller due to some challenges faced. Primary Education in Uganda requires some interventions in order to raise its benefits in as far as Primary School leavers‟ socio-economic development is concerned. The researcher, therefore, recommends; the curriculum should be redesigned to become more relevant to people‟s needs. The Primary Education curriculum should be complete in itself to enable primary school leavers be useful to themselves and to the community at large even when they have not continued with Post-Primary Education. This should be done through a blend of strategies, innovations, and reforms in the education system especially at primary level. Key Words: Uganda Primary Education, Socio-Economic Development, Rural Areas, Kibaale Town Council