Title:
EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMMES ON STUDENT’S PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOLING IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MERU COUNTY, KENYA

Authors:
Kararwa Humphrey Mugambi; Ogembo John and Mwenda James, Kenya

Abstract:
Effectiveness of the social support programs directly contributes to student’s participation in schooling. Social support programs are thus designed to aid and encourage individuals or groups of learners to access educational opportunities. Thus, the study sought to assess the effectiveness of social support program on student’s participation in schooling in public secondary schools in the Meru County, Kenya. Specifically, it examined the role of guidance and counseling services, mentorship and motivation programs as well as community outreach programs. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive and correlational designs. A sample of 331 respondents out of 1903 persons comprising Principals of public secondary schools, PA chairpersons, class teachers, student leaders and CDF managers was drawn through purposive and stratified sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules and Focus group discussions. Qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis, while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of the SPSS version 27.0 computer software. The findings showed average access by students to social support services such as guidance and counseling services, and below average access to motivational talks. Chi-square analysis confirmed a significant influence of social support programs on student participation (?²(1) = 9.274) with 24.4% of the total variance in participation explained by social support programs. It is therefore recommended that schools should invest in better training facilities, employ more counselors, increase the frequency of motivational talks, and integrate community outreach and mentorship programs into the curriculum.