The Capacity Needs of Children and Youth Teachers in Compassion-Assisted child Development Centers in Arusha

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the capacity needs of the Children and Youth Teachers (CYTs) in teaching children in Compassion- assisted child development centers in Arusha region. A total of 119 questionnaires were sent to the selected CYTS, with 108 questionnaires filled and returned. Data from the CYTS was collected using a questionnaire. Data from children was collected using focus group discussion guide while data from the pastors was collected using an interview guide. Data from the questionnaire was coded and entered into the computer and analyzed using the SPSS software while the results from the focus group discussions and personal interviews were synthesized according to themes. Seventy percent (70%) of the CYTS believe the indicator of a child's good Christian life involve holy living with 45% of the CYTs indicating good conduct. Moreover, 30% mentioned the commitment to the church, and a sense of healthy self-image whereas 20% mentioned the indicator of service to others as an indicator of a good Christian life. A large majority (89.7%) of the CYTs preferred using book reading as the teaching method while 80% preferred using verbal explanation and finally 70% preferred using drama, pictures and story telling. At a community level, 70% of the CYTs participate in the health screening exercises, centre cleaning, preparing lesson plans, composing children's songs as well as accompanying them for education trips and liaising with parents on children's education. Nearly half (48.1%) of the CYTS indicated that children lack concentration during class session and nearly as many (45.5%) observed children wandering during class session. About twenty percent (18.5%) noted that children dislike the class session and 15.7% observed children sleeping during class session. Three quarters of the CYTs were of the opinion that some factors affected 102 Abstracts the learning of children. These include viewing of violent videos, viewing of pornographic materials and participation of children in night dances. CYTS need additional training to understand the holistic development characteristics of children and to be able to teach children in a comprehensive way. CYTS need to be equipped with effective teaching methodology. There is need for them to be empowered with better organizational and time management skills to effectively handle both the teaching and extra-curricular activities. Further they need to be empowered with counseling and communication skills