slum environment on student academic performance
The Impact of Slum Environments on Student Discipline in Secondary Schools: A Case Study of Selected Secondary Schools in Kampala District
Chapter One
Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
Slums are often neglected urban areas characterized by poor housing and living conditions. These regions are typically overcrowded and inhabited by individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds, including the less fortunate and those who may engage in unlawful activities. Slums are often seen as collections of broken and frustrated families. According to the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), a slum household is defined as one lacking one or more of the following: access to improved water, improved sanitation, security of tenure, durable housing, and sufficient living space.
Slum areas lack basic municipal services such as water supply, drainage, sanitation, waste collection, lighting, and security. They also lack well-equipped clinics, structured recreational centers, schools, and other community service facilities where residents can socialize. Despite these challenges, slums can provide a sense of community and belonging for young people, fostering a cultural dynamism that contributes to popular music and youth culture in Uganda.
However, the slum environment is often marked by insecurity, poor health services, bad governance, lawlessness, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and poverty. These factors have led to the perception that slums cannot produce well-disciplined children. Yet, some argue that children from impoverished backgrounds may develop strong morals as they strive to create a better future for themselves. Several societal role models have emerged from such environments, challenging this negative stereotype.
A 2007 report by the SAP community in Wabigalo, Makindye Division, Kampala District, highlighted rising youth violence, driven by factors such as drug abuse, unemployment, idleness, and poverty. Education is a critical tool for individual and societal transformation, with secondary education aiming to prepare students for productive lives and further education. However, even when education is free, many youths and their families cannot afford basic school necessities such as uniforms, scholastic materials, and transportation.
Youth in slums face unique challenges, including early sexual activity, substance abuse, violence, and school dropout rates. The 2002 Nairobi Cross-Sectional Slums Survey revealed that slum residents often lack secure housing, clean water, and adequate sanitation, leading to lower school enrollment rates and poorer health outcomes compared to their peers in other areas.
Slum youth are often stigmatized as criminals and face police harassment, which further exacerbates their struggles. The harsh realities of slum life are often reflected in the music and art produced by young people from these areas.
Discipline in schools is a critical factor in shaping students’ behavior and academic success. Various authors have defined discipline as the training that enables individuals to develop self-control, respect for authority, and adherence to established rules. This study seeks to explore the influence of slum environments on the discipline of secondary school students.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
In recent years, there has been a surge in student strikes, indiscipline, and unrest in secondary schools across Uganda. Research and commissions have been established to identify the root causes of these issues, which range from poor school administration to the broader social and economic environment in which schools operate.
Discipline is essential for effective teaching, learning, and the development of productive members of society. However, the slum environment, with its associated challenges, may compromise students’ discipline and academic performance. This study aims to investigate the impact of slum environments on student discipline in selected secondary schools in Kampala District.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of slum environments on the discipline of secondary school students.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The study is guided by the following objectives:
- To examine the relationship between slum environments and student discipline.
- To assess the influence of home environments on the discipline of students living in slum communities.
- To investigate the forms of discipline applied by teachers and parents in slum environments.
- To identify and articulate specific acts of indiscipline among students.
- To examine the occupational safety, health, and welfare of learners in slum areas.
1.5 Research Questions
The study will address the following research questions:
- What is the effect of slum environments on the discipline of secondary school students?
- How does family background influence the discipline of students living in slum communities?
- What are the different forms of discipline used by teachers and parents in slum environments?
1.6 Hypotheses
The study will test the following hypotheses:
- H0: There is no relationship between slum environments and student discipline.
- H1: Students in slum environments exhibit specific disciplinary indicators.
- H2: Students in slum environments have distinct attitudes toward discipline.
1.7 Significance of the Study
This study will provide valuable insights for educational stakeholders, policymakers, and program designers targeting slum communities. It will help government officials, school administrators, teachers, and parents understand the relationship between slum environments and student discipline, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve educational outcomes.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The study will focus on the impact of slum environments on student discipline in selected secondary schools in Kampala District.
1.8.1 Geographical Scope
The study is limited to secondary schools located in slum areas within Kampala District.
1.9 Definition of Key Terms
- Administrator: A person responsible for coordinating resources in an organization to achieve predefined goals.
- Discipline: A state of orderliness resulting from training, rules, and self-control.
- Indiscipline: Behavior that violates established rules and norms, such as drug abuse, violence, or truancy.
- Influence: The capacity to affect the behavior or development of others.
- Peer Pressure: The influence exerted by peers to conform to group norms.
- Slum: An urban area characterized by poor living conditions, lack of basic amenities, and overcrowding.
Chapter Two
Literature Review
2.0 Introduction
This chapter reviews existing literature related to the study’s objectives, focusing on themes such as discipline, home environment, school facilities, and peer influence.
2.1 Concepts of Discipline and Management
