Investigating the Influence of School-Based Student Retention Strategies in Public Secondary Schools in Mufundi District Council, Tanzania
Aloyce Luhamya
Institute of Accountancy Arusha
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1657-9304
Email: kipaumbele2010@gmail.com
Abstract: The study investigated the influence of retention strategies on students’ retention in public secondary schools in Mufindi District Council. Specifically, the study examined the influence of the school feeding programme, and assessed the influence of the school guidance and counselling services on student retention. The study involved 624 participants, of which 366 were students, 248 teachers, and 10 heads of schools. The study employed a mixed-methods approach and a convergent parallel design. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires from students and teachers, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with heads of schools. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 27), whereas qualitative data were analyzed thematically following Braun and Clark’s approach. The findings revealed that both retention strategies significantly and positively influenced students’ retention. Regression results showed that the school feeding programme had the strongest predictive influence on students’ retention (R2= 0.566, p < 0.001), followed by school guidance and counselling services (R2 = 0.412, p < 0.001). Qualitative results further highlighted that a sustainable feeding programme, along with effective guidance and counselling services, significantly enhanced attendance, engagement, and continuity in schooling. The study concludes that integrating school feeding programme and guidance and counselling services enhances students’ retentionin public secondary schools. The study recommends increased investment in school feeding programmes and strengthened professional development for counselling units to promote regular attendance, reduce dropout rates, and enhance students’ retention in Mufindi District Council.
