Amy Vatne Bintliff – Department of Education Studies, University of California, San Diego.

Rebecca S. Levine – Department of Education Studies, University of California, San Diego.

Zaharah Namanda – Public Policy & Equity with Distinction, University of Glasgow. Executive Director, Africa Education & Leadership Initiative-Uganda.

Wendy Wei Cheung – Department of Education Studies, University of California, San Diego.

Norah Nalutaaya – Africa ELI board member.

Email: pbeinomugisha@vu.ac.ug

Abstract: This study investigated how artistic learning influences students’ wellbeing and social-emotional development in schools in Kampala and Arua, Uganda. Using the 4W LIFT model within a wellbeing curriculum, researchers applied qualitative participatory methods with 65 students. Findings showed that activities like drawing, dancing, shading, and painting enhanced communication, confidence, relationships, teamwork, and leadership. Art sessions promoted healing, resilience, inclusion, and growth. Students expressed themselves visually, improving their understanding of new concepts and social connection. The study recommends integrating artistic learning into Uganda’s primary and secondary curricula to support students’ holistic development.

Abstract: The Kenyan system of learning has heavily been reliant on examination results. Performance at Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education in Kiambu County over the years has been dismal. Despite the fact that most national schools are located in the County and consistently achieve excellent KCSE results, the 2022 KCSE analysis reveals that more than 50% of the 261 secondary schools in the County posted a mean standard score of less than 3.0. Thus, the current study was guided by a research question; What is the influence of teacher’s level of self-efficacy on learners’ academic achievement in public secondary schools in Kiambu County? Ryff’s psychology model was used and complemented by the Production
function theory. The study employed a concurrent triangulation research design and conducted in public secondary schools in Kiambu County, Kenya with a target population of 116,333 individuals. The sample consisted of 23 principals (10%), 261 teachers (10%) and 3854 students. Data collection utilized interviews for principals, questionnaires for teachers, and observation guides for students, and supplemented by document analysis. The research revealed significant variations in teachers’ personal qualities and their impact on learner achievement in public secondary schools in Kiambu County. While some teachers expressed a desire for change and improvement, others seemed unaffected by these concerns, highlighting challenges in addressing personal stagnation among educators. Notably, the quality of teachers’ relationships with others emerged as a key factor influencing learner academic achievement, with approximately 70.3% of variations attributed to this aspect.

Abstract: Cash transfer programmes are the most common social assistance intervention when it comes to component sub-categories. This study sought to describe the effect of Old Persons’ Cash Transfer disbursement procedure on social wellbeing of elderly persons in Kiambu County, Kenya. The research was conducted in Kiambu County focusing on those aged 65 and above who were recipients of non-contributory social safety programmes. This was a concurrent mixed method research utilizing Cochran (1963) formula to determine the sample size of 385. The study adopted probability sampling technique with a focus on proportionate sampling to select cash transfer participants, beneficiaries In-depth interviews with professionals, and elderly cash transfer beneficiaries served as the primary data source two Focus group discussions (FGDs) were utilized to collect qualitative data from beneficiaries. Quantitative data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS Statistics version 25 while quantitative data was analysed using content analysis and thematic analysis. It entailed searching across a data set to identify, analyse and report patterns that emerged. On the question on whether OPCT money was disbursed on time, the study showed that majority of the respondents disagreed 144 (41.1%) while a small number strongly agreed 11 (2.6 %). This means that OPCT money disbursement was not timely and that there were delays and bottlenecks in the disbursement process. In conclusion, the elderly did not believe that the disbursement of cash transfers was made on time. They also felt the targeting was not well done and that there was some injustice in the process. The study recommends that OPCT payments should be made more regular. If the OPCT is disbursed regularly then they will be able to make proper plans for spending money.

Abstract: The study was conducted in three Wards that included Makulu, Nghong’ona and Kikuyu North, in Dodoma City, Tanzania. The study aimed at identifying the techniques used by women members of Village Community Banks in the whole process of attaining their economic wellbeing in Dodoma city. This study employed descriptive research design to collect data from 89 respondents who were selected randomly from different groups of women of Village Community Banks in the above study Wards. Primary data for this study was gathered through interviews and focus group discussion and observations. Secondary data was obtained through documentary reviews. The findings of this study revealed that women in Village Community Banks used different techniques in improving their economic wellbeing. Such techniques are like dealing with entrepreneurship activities, Seriousness for group members in VICOBA activities, working hard for women members and borrowing loans from the Government, abiding by the rules, regulations and by-laws, which are formulated by the group members as well as the Government and attending entrepreneurship workshops or training.