Effectiveness of School Administration’s Strategies for Protecting Children from Neglect Abuse in Public Secondary Schools in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
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Abstract
This study explored the effectiveness of strategies used by school administrations in the Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania, to protect children from neglect and abuse in public secondary schools. The research, guided by Bertalanffy’s systems theory, employed a convergent mixed-methods design with 427 participants, using both quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (interviews) data. The findings revealed that neglect significantly hinders students’ academic and social development. To address this, the study suggested establishing anti-neglect clubs where students receive teacher guidance and implementing a forgiveness education program to foster empathy, conflict resolution, and emotional awareness. The study also highlighted the need for regular evaluations of protective strategies. It found no significant differences in the effectiveness of these strategies based on teachers’ years of experience. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education strengthen the implementation and monitoring of child protection strategies and provide in-service training for education officials and school staff. Additionally, teacher education programs should prioritize child protection to better prepare future educators.
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