Aspects of the Informal Economy that Influence Voluntary Contributions to Social Security Fund

The study explored the factors within the informal economy that drive voluntary contributions to social security funds, presenting findings across three key attributes: economic, social, and institutional. Voluntary contributions were evident in all three associations studied. Economic incentives, such as loans and cash assistance during sickness and death, motivated members to contribute willingly. Additionally, the allowance for small contributions during regular meetings further facilitated participation. The study found that these meetings fostered member engagement and provided social benefits. Regularly scheduled meetings, as stipulated in the associations’ constitutions, helped to organize and structure the associations. The frameworks, including rules and regulations, were aligned with national-level associations, with leadership ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, such as those governing the bodaboda association

The Influence of Informal Economy on Voluntary Contributions to Informal Social Organisations

This study explores the dynamics of the informal economy and the voluntary contributions made to groups, associations, and memberships within this sector. It provides an overview of the background information on these organizations, their operations, and the issues surrounding protection and risk mitigation. Additionally, the study delves into the practices of voluntary contributions within the informal economy. Qualitative research methods, including interviews and focus group discussions, were employed to gather data from informal economy actors participating in informal social organizations such as the bodaboda association, food vending networks, and beach groups. The findings suggest that informal workers often pool money together to create communal savings due to the inherent insecurities in livelihood activities and other risks. Trust and mutual support emerge as key non-financial forms of savings utilized within these communities

Voluntary Contributions to Pension Schemes: A Study Among Actors in the Informal Economy in Tanzania

The research delves into the participation of informal economic actors in voluntary contributions to pension schemes. It sheds light on the difficulties faced by the Social Security Fun d in reaching out to informal actors regarding membership and voluntary contribution s. The study investigates the operations and strategies employed by informal social organizations, such as the bodaboda association, food vending network, and fishing group, to encourage members to contribute voluntarily. Through qualitative methods, inter views with pension scheme participants were conducted to comprehend the initiatives aimed at including excluded individuals, particularly those engaged in the informal economy. Following the NSSF Act 2018 revision, there is no alternative arrangement to pr ovide coverage for informal workers besides the formal social security . This study contends that excluding a significant portion of the population from pension schemes limits social services in Tanzania. Informal economy actors willingly contribute to info rmal social organizations. The contribution assists in addressing the challenges associated with irregular incomes. It was observed that the administrative and regulatory structure designed for the formal sector is not conducive to informal actors, mainly due to bureaucratic processes related to contributions and provisional pensions

Bathymétrie d’une baie lagunaire et son incidence sur la répartition des métaux lourds : cas de la baie d’Abouabou en lagune Ebrié, Côte d’Ivoire

La lagune Ebrié et ses baies sont le siège d’une sédimentation active notamment par les métaux lourds (zinc, fer, cuivre, manganèse, mercure et cadmium). La baie d’Abouabou, qui appartient à cette lagune, n’échappe pas à ce phénomène. Plusieurs facteurs peuvent influencer la répartition de ces métaux dans les fonds lagunaires. A partir de la bathymétrie de la baie, il a été mis en évidence l’influence de celle-ci sur la répartition de ces métaux. La nouvelle carte bathymétrique réalisée a révélé un taux de comblement de la baie de l’ordre de 14 cm/an entre 1979 et 2000.Mots-clés: lagune Ebrié, baie d’Abouabou, métaux lourds, bathymétrie, Côte d’Ivoire Bathymetry of a bay and its impact on the variation of heavy metals: cas of Abouabou bay in Ebrié Lagoon, Côte d’Ivoire The Ebrié lagoon and its bays are the area of an active sedimentation especially by the heavy metals polluting (zinc, iron, copper, manganese, mercury and cadmium). It is the case of the bay of Abouabou of the Ebrié lagoon. Several factors can influence the variation of these metals in the lagoon. From the bathymetry, it was highlighted the influence of this one on the distribution of these metals. Moreover bathymetry revealed that this bay undergoes a filling which is estimated at 3 m between 1979 and 2000.Keywords: EbriéLagoon, Abouabou bay, heavy Metals, Bathymetry, Côte d’Ivoir

Strengthening Education Systems through Development of Champion Teacher: The Experience of Implementation of the F4L Project in East Africa

Current trends in education are shaping school culture, whereby teaching and learning processes are being challenged to adjust from practices that have been taken for granted. Teachers who are the engine of teaching and learning are expected to be at the forefront of finding solutions to teaching and learning processes. Teachers’ education colleges are responsible for preparing pre-service teachers with new skills that will allow them to succeed professionally upon graduation. Tutors in teacher colleges are also expected to continue to support in-service teachers through teacher professional development. The success of these processes calls for tutors whose teaching practices are exceptional. Such are referred to as champion teachers; individuals who are always looking for ways to better themselves and modify their teaching strategies to meet the various needs of their pupils. The whole process of developing such tutors calls for the strengthening of education systems through interventions that are based on proven theoretical approaches. This paper examines the Foundation for Learning (F4L) project, a five-year endeavor spanning several East African countries to develop “champion teachers.” The project sought to systematically improve teacher capacity through workshops by stressing pedagogical competence and a lifelong learning attitude. It also covered areas such as gender-responsive pedagogy and integration of technology. Results show improvements in participants’ knowledge, abilities, and attitudes; champion teachers who exhibit technological competence and a dedication to diversity have emerged. Project outcomes stress the need for well-thought-out programs and strategic planning of change initiatives. To sum up, the F4L initiative is a prime example of a transformative teacher development activity, supporting inclusive and sustainable teaching practices in East Africa

Contributors to Students’ Use of Counselling Services in Kenyan Universities

Transition to university life can be stressful for all students. In mitigation, most universities including those in Kenya offer social support to students in form of counselling, financial assistance, health and academic support. Despite this it has been documented that only a minority of university students who experience psychological distress seek professional counselling. This paper looks at contributors to students’ use of counselling services in Kenyan universities. These are classified into four: the social and behavioural issues, academic issues, psychological issues and economic issues. The study applied descriptive survey research design guided by Person Centred and Social Learning Theories. Data was collected using questionnaires, in-depth interview schedules and Focus Group Discussions. The study findings indicate that both male and female students are faced with many counselling issues such as academic, psychological, social, personal, economic, health, physical, vocational and spiritual .It can be concluded that the threat to masculine ideology encourages males to have more positive attitude towards seeking help for academic issues and that female students seek social psychological counselling to help them gain understanding of root causes of their problems. Key words: reasons, social and behavioural issues, academic issues, psychological issues, economic issue

Prevalence of Counselling Services among University Students in Kenya

Transition to university life can be stressful for all students. In mitigation, most universities, both private and public, including those in Kenya offer social support to students in form of counselling, financial assistance, health and academic support. Despite this it has been documented that only a minority of university students who experience psychological distress seek professional counselling. This paper aimed at establishing the prevalence of counselling services among university students in Kenya. The study applied descriptive survey research design and guided by Person Centred and Social Learning Theories. Data was collected using questionnaires, in-depth interview schedules and Focus Group Discussions. Findings reveal that university students are faced with various life challenges such as academic, psychological, social, personal, economic, health, physical, vocational and spiritual. However, only 35% of students with issues in both private and public universities seek counselling services, either frequently or rarely, majority of which are females. The study recommends that university counsellors should initiate vigorous campaign to encourage male/female students to seek for counselling services. Key words Prevalence, gender, frequenc

Reasons Why University Students Do Not Seek Counselling Services in Kenya

Transition to university life can be stressful for all students. In mitigation, most universities in Kenya offer social support to students in form of counselling, financial assistance, health and academic support. Despite this it has been documented that only a minority of university students who experience psychological distress seek professional counselling (Khan and Williams, 2003, Raunic and Xenos, 2008) a situation that is the same in Kenya. According to university counsellors, university students undergo tremendous stress from personal issues, academic pressure, career emphasis and social problems. Counselling is meant to provide linear paths for students to address their problems. However, some students are reluctant to seek help from counsellors. This paper is a report on a study that sought to establish the reasons why university students in Kenya do not seek counselling services. Key words: Gender, Social Mistrust, Confidence, immediate solutions, Perception, Locatio

Views and opinions of mass media key informants on coverage of issues related to maternal, newborn and child health in Lake Zone, Tanzania

In Tanzania, the mass media is a primary means of communicating health information to urban and rural populations. While unsafe abortion is the leading cause of maternal deaths and complications in Tanzania, this has increased the high unintended pregnancy rate. Journalists, editors, program managers and producers play a significant role in determining the health-related issues reported. In the present study, the views, and opinions of mass media key informants on coverage of issues related to maternal, newborn and child health in Lake Zone were investigated. This qualitative study was conducted with key informants from 24 mass media outlets that covered the Lake Zone in Tanzania. Twenty-seven key informants from media outlets (radio, television, and newspapers) were recruited to participate in the study. Results revealed that most key informants identified breastfeeding, antenatal care (ANC) visits, facility deliveries and malaria as essential and the MNCH issues covered mainly by mass media. In MNCH issues identified, breastfeeding and ANC visits were more likely to be endorsed as issues covered in the media compared to facility deliveries and malaria. Mass media campaigns were the most effective and popular way of disseminating MNCH-related information

Accelerating Primary Education Tutors’ Acquisition of Gender-Responsive Pedagogies

The paper emphasises the value of gender-sensitive teaching strategies that address the often portrayal of gendered stereotypes in primary schools, including those used in textbooks. Professional development programmes are acknowledged for their crucial role in equipping tutors with the essential knowledge and abilities for successful gender-responsive education. This study explores the crucial role of tutor preparation in enhancing student teachers’ conceptions of gender roles. It employed a qualitative approach through focus group discussions, observations, group reflections, and analysis of reflective entries to provide an in-depth understanding of how gender-responsive training affects instructional strategies. The study unveils the need for college tutors to rethink their perspectives and beliefs about the integration of gender in their practices and embrace the importance of gender-responsive pedagogy. Identifying and understanding discriminatory practices against male and female student teachers and learners in primary schools is significant in enabling the tutors to design counter strategies that would make their practices gender-responsive. This includes addressing important topics such as cultural biases, ongoing education, and adaptability to add much to the conversation about fostering inclusive and equiTable learning environments. Strategies such as mentoring and coaching, structured reflective practice, collaborative teaching, and learning would accelerate learning outcomes of gender-responsive pedagogy