Abstract: The general objective of this research was to assess the effect of rehabilitation programs on the recidivism rate among the youth in Rwanda. Specifically, the study assessed the effect of counseling services on recidivism rate among youth in Gasabo District, determined the effect of vocational training programs on the recidivism rate among youth in Gasabo District and examined the effect of aftercare programs on recidivism rate among youth in Gasabo District. The study was guided by Social Learning Theory, Anomie Theory, and Recidivism and Reintegration Theory. The study used descriptive and correlation research design. The study targeted a population of 182 individuals involved in various departments in Gasabo District. Employing Slovin’s formula, a sample size of 126 participants was determined to present the population. The coefficient for Counseling Services is 0.296, indicating that each unit improvement in these services corresponds to a 0.296 decrease in recidivism (B = 0.296, t = 5.490, Sig. = 0.000). Vocational Training Programs have coefficients of 0.331, meaning that a unit increase in their effectiveness results in a 0.331 reduction in recidivism (B = 0.331, t = 5.893, Sig. = 0.000). Aftercare Programs with a coefficient of 0.360, demonstrating that enhanced aftercare support leads to a 0.360 decrease in recidivism (B = 0.360, t = 6.405, Sig. = 0.000). These findings indicate the importance of strengthening Counseling Services, aligning Vocational Training Programs with labor market needs, and improving Aftercare Programs to ensure sustainable reintegration and lower recidivism among youth in Gasabo District.

Abstract: The process of making career decisions is an important part of students’ growth in higher education. The provision of effective guidance and counseling services has proven to have a substantial impact on career decision-making, assisting students in matching their abilities and interests with job prospects. However, limited research exists on the provision of guidance and counseling in tertiary learning institutions in Arusha region. Thus, this study examined the accessibility and availability of guidance and counseling services and ascertained the usefulness of guidance and counseling in helping students make career decisions in tertiary learning institutions in Arusha Region, Tanzania. The research utilized a descriptive survey design, in which self-made questionnaires were administered to 248 randomly chosen students from a total population of 1,862 students for data collection. The results indicated that tertiary learning institutions in Arusha region had limited and sometimes completely absent guidance and counseling services. Nevertheless, students in tertiary learning institutions in Arusha region pointed out that guidance and counseling services are crucial in shaping their future career paths. Thus, it is concluded that despite the fact that students showed that guidance and counseling services are crucial in shaping their future career paths, tertiary learning institutions in Arusha region had limited and sometimes completely absent guidance and counseling services. Based on the results, tertiary learning institutions are recommended to strengthen and improve the provision of career guidance and counseling services to assist students in making well-informed career decisions which match with their abilities and interests.