Understanding key stakeholders' perceptions of Informal schools in Kawangware, Nairobi

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand perceptions on informal schools in Kawangware in Nairobi. Data was collected through open- ended interviews in three different schools in Kawangware. Forty seven respondents were interviewed on different dates. Thereafter, data was analyzed and transcribed. The findings revealed that poverty in the slum is the governing factor explaining the reason behind the emerging of informal schools. Due to poverty many children fail to go to school. The research revealed that pastors are the key people in starting informal schools. They do so to help the poor children to get affordable education. The factor of poverty taken singly may not always lead to the start of any school but combined with others such as mercy and help for the poor, which gifts are given to Christians, lead to the start of informal schools. The research concludes that due to poverty informal schools are on the increase in the poor areas, especially slums of Kenya. The conclusion paves the way for a recommendation that appeals for further research into this phenomenon. The findings further reveal that all the stakeholders, namely pastors, administrators, teachers, parents, guardians and pupils have a common perception that informal schools are targeting the poor child and seek to provide affordable education in the poor community. The study also found out that the role played by informal schools was very vital on fighting illiteracy in the slums. Finally, in view of the various issues and explanations examined in the study, the thesis includes some recommendations to all stakeholders and calls for further study in those areas found to be weak in regard to informal schools.