Pulling and Pushing Factors in Primary Schools in Iringa Region in Tanzania

This dissertation aimed at analyzing pulling and pushing factors in primary schools in Iringa region, Tanzania. Specifically this study focused on: i) assessing pupil aspirations towards school, ii) To examine the factors pushing pupils out of school iii) To determine factors pulling pupils towards school. A case study was used. Case study helped in obtaining an in-depth understanding of the pulling and pushing factor in primary school. Purposive sampling technique was used to pick sample for case study which helped to identify key informative. This study used, interview and documentary review as data collection methods. By using thematic analysis it was found that self-desire, future prospects and possibility to find work are main pupils’ aspirations toward school. Findings from the interview also revealed that cost sharing policy, coordination between teachers and parents, parents guidance, good toilets, provision of meals, students attitude to learn and well trained teachers play important role in pulling pupils towards primary school education. Further analysis using thematic analysis indicated that distance from school, parent negligence, poor toilets, early marriage, lack of basic needs, child labor, death of parents, teachers attitude, house work, and peer influence were among the factors identified to be related to pushing pupils out from primary school. This study, recommends and concludes that the law should be enforced and convict parents as well as head of schools who hesitate to take legal measures against the pupils who are pushed out of school. In addition, it is recommended that the government at both the central and local levels should organize campaigns in order to raise public awareness about the importance of investing in children’s education