INFLUENCE OF CHILD FRIENDLY SCHOOL MODEL ON LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN DAY PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN NANDI NORTH SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the influence of Child Friendly School Model on children’s learning environment in Day Public Primary schools in Nandi North Sub-County. This model was introduced by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Kenya in the year 2002 the aim was to ensure children’s rights were observed. The programme was implemented on a pilot basis by the Ministry of Education in eleven districts (currently sub-counties). After piloting, the programme was rolled out country wide in 2011. The objectives of the study were to; establish the influence of community participation, school safety, school inclusiveness and health and sanitation practices on learning environment in Public day primary schools Nandi North Sub County. The study adopted Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (SLT). Additionally, it employed concurrent mixed methods research design which uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Pragmatic philosophical research paradigm was also adopted. Yamane’s formula was used to determine the sample size of ninety four schools from one hundred and seventy five targeted ones. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select ninety four schools from the eight zones of the area selected for the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select one Head teacher from each sampled schools and all the eight zonal Quality Assurance and Standards Officers. The same technique also enabled the selection of one BOM chairperson and one senior teacher from the sampled schools. The tools which were used in data collection were: questionnaire, interview guide and observation schedule. The collected data was analyzed and presented in form of frequency tables, and bar graphs. The findings of this study were to meant be important in promoting the development of a conducive learning environment in the Kenyan Public Primary schools. Results were: the community showed a positive response towards the provision of a Child Friendly School learning environment however, most of them did not have gates to avoid intruders into the school. A large proportion of them managed refuse, had clean and adequate latrines, but; they lacked designated points for hand washing after visiting these latrines. Fire extinguishers, First Aid kits and lightening arrestors also missed in many schools. Recommendations made therefore were; there was a need for the government to provide funds for more community mobilization programmes. Finally, it should provide enough capitations to cater for the supply of fire extinguishers and First Aid Gadgets in all Public Primary Schools. The same funds should also cater for installation of lightening arrestors in the same category of schools.