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.
