Assessing the Effects of Sponsorship Scheme on the Education of the Girl Child: A Case Study of Kyazanga Rural Sub–County, Lwengo District.

Abstract

NTEZUMUKIZA DEOGRATIAS (2013 – M092 – 30002) Assessing the Effects of Sponsorship Scheme on the Education of the Girl Child: A Case Study of Kyazanga Rural Sub–County, Lwengo District. The research entitled, „Assessing the effects of sponsorship scheme on the education of the girl child‟ was conducted in Kyazanga sub-county, Lwengo district. The study was carried out with the following objectives: to find out the effects of timely payment of school fees on girl child class attendance, to establish the effects of scholastic materials on girl child performance and to find out the relationship between provision of meals and girl child retention in school in Kyazanga Rural sub-county. The study tried to find answers to three research questions which were formulated to guide the study. The research methodology was a case study design where both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in Kyazanga sub-county, Lwengo district. The sample size was determined using purposive sampling and the sample size consisted of 80 subjects. The data collection tools included: a questionnaire and interview guide which were given to selected head teachers, teachers, pupils in primary school and community leaders. Quality control was kept to ensure that the findings were reliable; the researcher sorted the data, edited it and processed using electronic devices. Data was analysed and presented in tables and figures. To ensure validity, the instruments were first pretested before data collection. The ethical consideration was also observed whereby the participants were briefed and participation was voluntary based on the consent of the participants. The findings indicate that sponsorship scheme has had a great effect on the education of the girl child through timely payment of school fees, provision of scholastic materials and meals which have enhanced girl child attendance, improved class performance, and increased retention rates respectively. The researcher recommended that sponsorship organisations should increase coverage of schools and girl children sponsored. Sponsorship should embrace timely payment of school fees, provision of scholastic materials and provision of meals. Development partners like non-government organisations should provide trainings to parents to support early girl child education. Key Words: Sponsorship Scheme, Education, Girl Child, Lwengo District.