Practicality of Guidance and Counselling Strategy in Enhancing Retention of Children under Complementary Basic Education for Tanzania in Selected Districts of Mara Region

This study sought to investigate the practicality of guidance and counselling Strategy in enhancing retention of children under Complementary Basic Education for Tanzania (COBET) in selected Districts in Mara Region. A convergent design under a mixed method was used to examine the problem. The target population was 99 COBET centres, 99 head teachers, 133 teachers, and 898 children. From this population, a sample of 30 centres, 14 head teachers, 54 teachers, and 90 children was selected using both probability and non-probability sampling techniques, totalling 158 participants. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups. The validity of the data collection instruments was verified by subject matter experts, and the questionnaire's reliability was established using Cronbach's Alpha (0.802). Trustworthiness was ensured through peer review and triangulation. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including an independent t-test at a 0.05 significance level, while the qualitative data was analysed through thematic. The study found that teachers employed guidance and counselling strategy by understanding the reasons for school dropout, valuing children's experiences, and promoting self-growth but not in career guidance. It was revealed that though teachers felt that they gained an in-depth understanding of children's expectations about their school, children under COBET showed dissatisfaction. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of professional and para-professional teachers in employing guidance and counselling strategy to enhance the retention of the children. The study concludes that Guidance and counselling strategy is employed by teachers to enhance children’s retention in the programme although with some deficiencies. Since both professional and para - professional teachers apply the guidance and counselling strategy equally in enhancing the retention of the children under complementary basic education, the professional teachers are not fulfilling their due in employing strategy as expected. The head teachers should continuously encourage teachers to use facilitative strategies through meetings and workshops monthly to enhance the retention of children under COBET.