DRUG ABUSE AND ITS ACADEMIC IMPLICATIONS AMONG STUDENTS AT THREE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MUTASA CENTRAL AREA OF MUTASA DISTRICT

This project explored the occurrence of drug abuse and its academic implications to students at three secondary schools in Mutasa Central area in Mutasa District. The study used the mixed method research design which combines qualitative and quantitative approaches in one study to answer research questions. The study population for this research comprised 48 secondary school teachers, 3 school heads and 150 students. Random sampling was employed to select the sample for classes within each form. Simple random sampling was used to select 8 senior school prefects for focus group discussions. School heads were selected for the study through purposive sampling for interviews. The main findings were that teachers did not teach anything about drug use during lessons as they concentrated on their subject content. They had some experience in dealing with drug problems in the schools. The main reasons why students took drugs was influence of peer pressure and lack of models at home. The most common drugs taken by students were tobacco and beer obtained from friends and road side markets. Schools experienced conflicts between teachers and students and students performed poorly in examinations as a result of drug abuse in schools. The main recommendations were made were that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education must formalize and support establishment of vibrant guidance and counselling system in schools and school administrators must establish vibrant guidance and counselling departments which effected individual and peer counselling. Teachers should incorporate drug education in the teaching-learning of other subjects and schools should invite guest speakers to address students on danger of drug abuse

Causes of Dropouts among CAMFED Bursary Supported School Girls in Chirozva School Cluster, Buhera District of Manicaland Province (Zimbabwe)

The study investigated the causes of dropouts among students under the CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education) Bursary programme. The target population of the study was 53 secondary schools in all 5 clusters in Buhera district of Manicaland province in Zimbabwe. One cluster, Chirozva, out of five clusters was purposively selected with a total number of four secondary schools. However, only three secondary schools were finally used for the study. A total number of 74 school girls and 3 teacher-mentors were used as respondents in the study. Open and close ended questionnaires and documentary records were used for data collection. It was found that there were individual, family and school factors contributing to dropout cases for the sponsored girls. An analysis of dropout cases also revealed that 68% of the girls dropped out due to voluntary, forced or arranged marriages. It is recommended that families, schools, donors, law enforcement agents and the psychological support systems adopt a holistic approach to this societal problem