Abstract: This paper examines the contribution of children’s participation in decision-making processes on academic performance in the context of Twelve (12) Years Basic Education in Gakenke District, Rwanda. The study focuses on evaluating how children’s participation in decision-making within schools contribute to their academic outcomes. Guided by social cognitive and self-determination theories, the research adopted a descriptive design using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The target population included 481 participants students, teachers, parents, and educational authorities from 13 schools. A sample of 218 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling and Yamane’s formula a t a 5% significance level. Data collection employed structured questionnaires, and analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 25. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to interpret the data. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between children’s participation in school decision-making and academic performance, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.692. Regression analysis further indicated that child participation significantly predicts academic outcomes, with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.215 and a p-value of 0.006. The study concludes that engaging students in decision-making enhances their academic achievement. It recommends that schools cultivate a participatory culture by creating platforms for student input and training teachers to effectively integrate student feedback into teaching and school governance. These measures are essential for fostering a supportive learning environment and improving educational outcomes.

Abstract: The research project titled “The Effect of Anti-Sexual Harassment (ASH) Policies on the Job Performance of Journalists in Five Broadcasting Media Houses in Rwanda” focused on assessing the impact of both awareness and understanding of ASH policies and the implementation and enforcement of these policies on the job performance of journalists. The study targeted journalists and media organizations in Kigali, Rwanda, and categorized the effects into two groups: high and very high impact. The study found that for every one-unit increase in awareness of ASH policies, job performance improved by 0.289 units. This suggests that even a modest increase in knowledge about the policies can have a positive effect on journalists’ ability to perform their duties effectively. More strikingly, the study revealed that a one-unit increase in the implementation of these policies resulted in a much larger improvement in job performance, with a gain of 0.885 units. This indicates that the actual enforcement and application of ASH policies have a far more substantial impact on journalists’ job performance compared to mere awareness. The P-values for all factors related to awareness, understanding, and implementation were found to be below 0.05, indicating that the relationships between these variables and job performance are statistically significant. This provides compelling evidence supporting the study’s hypotheses, affirming that both the awareness and enforcement of anti-sexual harassment policies are crucial factors in improving job performance among journalists.

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of school leadership communication styles on student discipline behavior in secondary schools in Gakenke District, Rwanda. It explores how different communication approaches employed by school leaders influence student behavior, with a focus on improving discipline and fostering a positive learning environment. Transformational Leadership Theory, Social Learning Theory, Communication Accommodation Theory. A descriptive and correlational research design was employed, utilizing surveys, interviews, and documentary analysis to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The study targeted a population of 2,035 students and staff, with a sample size of 334 determined using Slovin’s formula and selected through stratified sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 28, applying descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and multiple regression analysis. Instrument validity was ensured through expert review, while reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.86. Ethical considerations included informed consent, confidentiality, and research integrity. This study concludes that the critical role of leadership communication in fostering student discipline in secondary schools. Clear, consistent communication by school leaders was found to enhance rule adherence, punctuality, and conflict resolution, while miscommunication negatively affected discipline. Verbal communication proved most impactful, supported by non-verbal cues and participative approaches. Stakeholder perceptions reinforced the importance of open and inclusive communication in shaping student behavior. Regression analysis confirmed that strategies such as professional training, feedback mechanisms, and technological tools significantly improve discipline. This study recommends that school leaders prioritize clear, consistent communication, utilizing verbal, non-verbal, and participative approaches to enhance student discipline.

Abstract: Principals’ communication strategies are vital in enabling parents to take part in academic programmes in public schools. However, in Nairobi City County, the level of parental involvement in academic programmes is low. Many parents rarely attend annual general meetings (AGMs), academic clinics or prize-giving days. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess principals’ communication strategies as determinants of parental involvement in academic programmes in public secondary schools. The study adopted a mixed methodology and concurrent triangulation research design. Target population comprised 101 principals, 2084 teachers and 1678 parents’ representatives totaling 3863 respondents from which 363 respondents were sampled using Yamane’s Formula. This consisted of 33 principals, 297 teachers and 33 parents’ representatives. Questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers and interview guides from principals and parents’ representatives. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically based on the objectives and presented in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25) and presented using tables. The study found that there has been a decline in parental engagement in academic activities between 2019 and 2023. There has been a consistent drop in attendance at AGMs, committee meetings, disciplinary sessions and academic clinics. In response, principals have employed a range of communication strategies; however, the effectiveness of these strategies has not been fully realized. Thus, principals should adopt multiple communication platforms to ensure parents are always informed.

Henrik Hansson – Department of Computer & Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden.
henrik.hansson@dsv.su.se

Abstract: The increasing prevalence of deepfake videos poses significant threats to information integrity, political stability, and public trust. This study presents a dual-faceted approach: (1) developing a machine learning model for detecting deepfake videos using visual features extracted from benchmark datasets, and (2) conducting a trend analysis of deepfake content dissemination on social media platforms such as YouTube and Twitter (now known as X). Conducted using the FaceForensics++ dataset and metadata from over 2,000 social media posts collected between 2018 and 2024, this study used a fine-tuned Xception model and natural language techniques. Key findings indicate a post-2020 surge in politically motivated deepfakes and platform-specific propagation patterns. It is recommended that stakeholders implement real-time detection and awareness tools to mitigate social impact.

Abstract: This study investigates the effect of financial knowledge on the investment decisions-making among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES) Managers in Kayonza District, Rwanda. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data. The target population consisted of 289 individuals, and a sample size of 289 respondents was surveyed, including participants from various backgrounds, such as professionals, small business owners, and local investors. A total of 289 completed questionnaires were returned, along with interviews from 10 key informants. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 25, incorporating Pearson correlation and regression analysis techniques. The results revealed a strong positive correlation between financial knowledge and investment decisions (r = 0.789), indicating that higher financial knowledge is linked to more informed and effective investment choices. Furthermore, regression analysis demonstrated that financial knowledge significantly predicts investment decisions, with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.403 and a p-value of 0.000. Despite the positive impact of financial literacy, challenges such as gaps in understanding more technical financial concepts, like interest rates and financial statements, were highlighted. The study recommends enhancing financial literacy programs focused on advanced financial topics, providing ongoing training for individuals, and strengthening support systems for improving investment decision-making among the population of Kayonza District.

Abstract: The sustainability of Beach Management Units (BMUs) in Homabay County, Kenya, is often challenged by a misalignment between community values and governance structures. This study investigates the moderating effect of project committee composition on the relationship between community values and BMU sustainability. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study sampled 647 respondents from a population of 7,151 individuals across 143 BMUs at active fishing sites. Respondents, including key informants and fishing participants from five sub-counties along Lake Victoria, were selected through stratified random, proportionate stratified, and purposive sampling techniques. Quantitative analysis revealed that community values (β = 0.847, p < 0.05) had a significant positive effect on BMU sustainability, while project committee composition moderated this relationship (β = 0.002, p < 0.05). The inclusion of project committees accounted for 75.7% of the variance in BMU sustainability, further supporting the critical role of governance structures. Qualitative findings highlighted that local ecological knowledge, such as understanding fish species behavior and seasonal shifts, is essential for sustainable fishing practices. The composition of BMU project committees particularly the inclusion of local fishermen, environmental advocates, and community elders contributed to more balanced decision-making, addressing both economic needs and ecological considerations. This study concludes that well-structured project committees aligned with community values act as a vital bridge between traditional knowledge and modern sustainability efforts. They ensure culturally sensitive and environmentally responsible decision-making, fostering long-term BMU sustainability. The findings underscore the need for inclusive, culturally aligned governance structures in BMUs, with policymakers encouraged to integrate community values into beach management strategies.

Abstract: The general objective of this study focused on the project planning and performance of road Busanza -Gahanga construction project implemented by NPD Ltd in Kicukiro district, Rwanda. With specific objectives; to determine effect of project time planning on performance of road Busanza -Gahanga construction project, to determine the effect of project cost planning on performance of road Busanza -Gahanga construction project, and to determine the effect of project scope planning performance of road Busanza -Gahanga construction project. The researcher consulted theories including; Complexity Theory, Theory of Constraints and Resource Based View Theory. The research design was descriptive and correlational, the target population was 600 from NPD staff, the study sample size was 240 from NPD as respondents. Study employed descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, and data was analyzed with aid of SPSS software program version 25.0. It showed that the relationship between correlation between project time planning, project scope planning, project cost planning and performance of road Busanza -Gahanga construction project, was 0.966, 0.937 and 0.875 respectively. The results present the variables of project planning; project time planning was statistically significant with p value=0.000b, the project scope planning was statistically significant with p value=0.001b, and the project cost planning was statistically significant with p value=0.033b. The study concludes that there was a significant relationship between Project planning and performance of construction. The study recommended that Ministry of Infrastructure should engage Rwandan citizens to be part and be involved in construction industries and works to attain money personal economic improvement.

Abstract: The general objective was to investigate the role of Corporate Social Responsibility on the community sustainable development in Nyagatare District, A case study of MTN Rwanda. The target population was 231 employees and the same sample size was 231 as respondents. Data collection methods employed in this study were those of Questionnaire instrument and documentary instrument. The study employed descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, and data was analyzed with aid of SPSS software program version 25.0. Inferential analysis was employed in order to use Pearson correlation and multiple regression model to test the relationship between the independent variables and dependent variable. Health care Insurance has an unstandardized coefficient of 0.506, indicating a significant positive role on corporate social responsibility (t = 4.688, p < 0.001). Financial support has an unstandardized coefficient of -0.156, indicating a significant negative role on corporate social responsibility (t = -1.883, p < 0.061). IT tools and facilities have an unstandardized coefficient of 1.014, indicating a significant positive role on corporate social responsibility (t = 10.967, p < 0.001). It was concluded that there was a significant relationship between Role of Corporate Social Responsibility on the community sustainable development. The study recommended MIFOTRA to mobilize Rwandan citizens to be involved in corporate social responsibility activities.

Abstract: The general objective of this research was to assess the influence of budgeting process on performance of local government entities in Kirehe District. The researcher adopted both descriptive and correlational design. The population of the study was 84 employees of Kirehe District. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that for H01: Budget planning does not have significant influence on performance of Kirehe District. (β = 0.222, p = 0.027): This shows a positive and statistically significant influence on performance. Since p-value (0.027 <0.05), H01 is rejected. This confirms that budget planning significantly affects performance of local entities. For H02: There is no significant influence of budget implementation on performance of Kirehe District. Budget Implementation (β = 0.284, p = 0.004): The coefficient suggests that a unit increase in budget implementation improves performance by 0.284. Since p-value (0.004 < 0.05), H02 is rejected, confirming that budget implementation significantly influences performance. For H03: Budget controlling have no significant influence on performance of Kirehe District. Budget Controlling (β = 0.477, p = 0.000): This has the strongest positive effect on performance, with a unit increase improving performance by 0.477. Since p-value (0.000 < 0.05), H03 is rejected, proving that budget controlling significantly influences performance. The study concludes that budget planning plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of Kirehe District. Kirehe District Finance Department should collaborate with sector leaders and community representatives to align budget priorities with local development needs.