Challenges faced by community members in accessing BEAM · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author: Manditambidzwanashe Mtomba
Title: Challenges faced by community members in accessing BEAM
Abstract: ABSTRACT
The Challenges faced by community members in accessing BEAM study was precipitated by the increase of school dropouts in both primary and secondary levels of education. The study was guided by the following objectives; to explore the challenges faced by community members in accessing BEAM, to establish the knowledge community members have about BEAM and to establish the strategies that can be employed by community members to benefit from BEAM. The study triangulated both qualitative and quantitative research designs, making use of surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews as data collection methods. Simple random sampling was used for the quantitative data while purposive sampling technique and convenient sampling technique were used to collect the qualitative data. The study found out that funds allocated to social protection programmes like BEAM are inadequate. Also, there is high level competition of students who want access to free education. Additionally, there is lack of a holistic approach to meet the needs of the orphans and the vulnerable children accessing BEAM. The study concludes that economic, social and cultural barriers hinder children from accessing free education, thereby perpetuating the number of school dropouts. The study recommends increasing stakeholder collaboration in supporting children to access free education. Introducing effective community engagement initiatives is recommended to challenge stigmatization and foster a culture of equality that acknowledges the right to education for all children. Finally, the study recommends improving resource allocation to meet the basic needs of the children and address the identified gaps in the BEAM’s educational provisions.
Date: JUNE 2024
Publisher: BUSE
Keywords: BEAM
school dropouts
primary and secondary levels of education
community members
Supervisor: NIL

Item sets: Department of Social Work

Media: Manditambidzwanashe Mtomba