ABSTRACT This research is about the effect of absenteeism on academic performance. It was guided by three objectives; To identify the causes of absenteeism among children of lower primary classes in Gasaka Sector Kigeme Cell Nyamagabe District Rwanda. To find out the methods used to retain children of lower primary in schools. To identify the role of teachers in children’s performance. Purposive and stratified sampling was used to select a population of 40 respondents to represent a population of Gasaka Sector Kigeme Cell Nyamagabe District Rwanda. In Conclusion, through the study it was found out that there is a positive relationship between absenteeism and academic performance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION

APPROVAL ii

DEDICATION jjj

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS v

LIST OF TABLES ix

ACRONYMS x

ABSTRACT xi

CHAPTER ONE 1

INTRODUCTION 1

1.0 Background 1

1.1. Statement of the Problem 1

1.2 Objectives of the Study 2

1.2.1 General Objective of the Study 2

1.2.2. Specific Objectives of the Study 2

1.3. Research Questions 2

1.4 Scope of the Study 2

1.5 Significance of the Study 3

CHAPTER TWO 4

LITERATURE REVIEW 4

2.0 Introduction 4

2.1 Causes of absenteeism among the children of lower classes 5

2.1. iNegative attitude on the learners’ part 5

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2.1.2 Teaching Methods .6

2.1.3 Teaching /Learning Resources 6

2.1.4 Quality of Manpower 7

2.1.5 Death of parents and guardians 8

2.2. Role of teachers on the Academic Performance 8

CHAPTER THREE 10

METHODOLOGY 10

3.0 Introduction 10

3.1 Research Design 10

3.2 Area and Population of the Study 10

3.3 Sample Selection 10

3.4 Sample Size 11

3.5 Data Collection Instruments 11

3.5.1 Questionnaires 11

3.5.2 Structured Interview 11

3.5.3 Focus Group Discussions 11

3.6 Data Collection Methods 12

3.6.1 Primary data collection method 12

3.6.2 Secondary data sources 12

3.7 Procedures 12

3.8 Data Analysis 12

3.9 Ethical Considerations 13

3.10 Limitations 13

3.11 Delimitations 14

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CHAPTER FOUR .15

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF DATA 15

4.0 Introduction 15

4.1 Socio-demographic background of the Respondents 15

4.1.1 Sex 15

4.1.2 Age 15

4.1.3 Marital status 16

4.1.4 Education level 16

4.1.5 Occupation 17

4.2 Attitudes towards Primary Schools 17

4.2.1 Attitude of Parents towards the Primary Schools 17

4.2.2 Attitude of Teachers towards Primary Schools 18

4.2.2.1 Negative Attitude 18

4.2.2.2 Negative attitudes on Learners 19

4.3 Methods used for the retention of primary school learners in schools 19

4.4 Roles of Teachers in children’s performance 20

4.5 Roles of Parents in Children’s performance 21

4.6 Absenteeism and Academic performance 21

4.6.1 Causes ofAbsenteeism 21

4.6.2 Solutions 23

4.6.3 Performance ofAbsentees 24

4.6.4 Performance of those who are always present 24

4.6.5 Relationship between Absenteeism and Academic Performance 25

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CHAPTER FIVE .26

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS 26

5.0 Introduction 26

5.1 Summary 26

5.2 Conclusions 27

5.3 Recommendations 28

REFERENCES 29

APPENDICES 30

APPENDIX A: WORKPLAN 30

APPENDIX B: BUDGET 31

APPENDIX C: QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE PARENTS, TEACHERS, HEAD-TEACHER

AND LEARNERS 32