An assessment on the effect of child violence on the academic performance in the government primary schools of Uganda. A case study of Mirembe KCC Primary School Makindye Division in Kampala District

Abstract

Domestic violence is a paradox because it occurs in the families, schools where people are expected to maintain and experience greater emotional support and love. It is ironical therefore, that this very supportive social unit is also the arena where violence is experienced especially in schools with untold sufferings involved on the children. Children who witness violence between their parents and teachers face increased risk for such emotional and behavioral problems as anxiety, depression, poor academic performance, low self-esteem, disobedience, night mares and physical health complaints all of which may be associated with academic performance and school participation. This research aimed at analyzing domestic violence and its influence on pupils’ academic performance of the government primary schools in Uganda. The study used a cross sectional survey on the target population which was made of 543 pupils going to Mirembe KCC Primary School, 60 of which were sampled using a simple random sampling technique for analysis to infer to the population. It explored the cases and forms of domestic violence and how they relate to academic performance in the school. The study used both primary and secondary data where by a questionnaire was used to assess each pupil about their views about domestic violence. Secondary data was also used from journals, newspapers, PDFS, magazines among others. The analysis was done using a chi square test to get the relationship between the two different variables which are domestic violence and academic performance as well as how other factors affect the pupils’ academic performance. The study also recommends the end to domestic violence among families and in schools by the government, teachers, school administration, parents and the ministry of Education over all in the schools of Uganda. It also recommends further research in order to investigate the factors which influence domestic violence on the pupils’ academic performance in schools.