Effect of Sports Participation on Literacy and Numeracy of Primary School Children in Karamoja Region, Uganda
Paul Opio, Edwin Kadima Wamukoya and Peter Wisiuba Bukhala
Department of Health Promotion and Sports Science
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya
Email: opiopaul1@gmail.com
Abstract: Literacy and numeracy in Karamoja remain critically low. Literacy rates are 25%. 88% of pupils can’t read at a basic level while 91% can’t perform division. This study examined the effect of sports participation on literacy and numeracyamong primary school children in Karamoja, testing the null hypothesis that sports participation has no significant effect on literacy and numeracy. Guided by James Coleman’s Multiple Role Theory, the study discusses the use of sports for achieving SDG 3, SDG 4, and the UNESCO International Charter of Physical Activity, Physical Education and Sport. An analytical cross-sectional design using mixed methods was adopted. District Sports Officers, District Inspectors of Schools, head teachers and sports teachers were purposively sampled. Class teachers and pupils were randomly selected. Four primary schools per district were purposively selected. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires. Qualitative data were collected using key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS Version 27. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using NVivo Version 15. Findings showed that sports participation enhanced concentration (76.2%), vocabulary development (72.3%), reading fluency (73.1%) and writing skills (78.7%). A significant correlation existed between sports participation and literacy and numeracy outcomes (ρ = 0.819, p < .001). Regression analysis indicated that sports participation explained 54.1% of the variation (R² = 0.541). Qualitative findings highlighted improved concentration, practical numeracy application, vocabulary and communication. The study concludes that sports participation can enhance literacy and numeracy. The study recommends integrating sports into teaching pedagogy, establishing school sports clubs and promoting mind games.
