bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extensiveness of McGovern-Dole Teachers Training Programme on Improving Literacy Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Teachers in Bunda District, Tanzania
Authors: Adam Kasanga  , Dr. Victorini Salema  , Evans Okendo Ogoti
Published: November 2023

This study evaluated the extensiveness of the McGovern-Dole teachers training programme (MGDTTP) in improving the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of teachers in the Bunda District, Tanzania. The summative evaluation study employed a convergent design under a mixed-methods research approach guided by the CIRO evaluation model. The target population consisted of 1207 participants, including: 75 public primary schools, 150 early grade teachers, 75 INSET coordinators, 75 Headteachers, 19 Ward Education Officers, 1 District Primary Education Officer, and 812 Standard three students. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to select 121 respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires, achievement tests, interviews guide and observations guide. Content and face validity was ensured by MWECAU research experts. A pilot study was conducted in two public primary schools. The reliability of questionnaires for Likert-type items was estimated using Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient whereby r= 0.839 for early-grade teachers and r=0.889 for INSET Coordinators while that of qualitative established through peer debriefing and triangulation. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics tested the hypothesis using Simple Linear Regression analysis at 0.05 (α). Qualitative data were analysed thematically. The study found that the MGDTTP helped improve teachers' PCK related to literacy, which improved the literacy of school-age children. The study concluded that the MGDTTP has successively achieved the goal of improving literacy PCK among early-grade teachers to a high extent. The study recommended that Literacy learner-centred approaches should be used by teachers in teaching early-grade classes to enhance the engagement of pupils in the learning process.
Provision of Basic Training Programme towards Equipping Recruits with Policing Skills in Tanzania Police School
Authors: Shakili Msese  , Dr. Eugene Lyamtane  , Dr. Timothy Mandila
Published: November 2023

This study was conducted to examine the provision of a basic training programme towards equipping recruits with policing skills. The study was guided by Malcolm Knowles' andragogy theory. The study employed a convergent research design under mixed methods research approach. The target population was 3019 recruits, 389 instructors, 4 operation commanders, 1 chief instructor, 1 adjutant and 1 commandant found in Tanzania police school. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 312 recruits; an expert sampling technique was used to select 40 instructors, while a total population sampling technique was used to select 4 operation commanders, 1 chief instructor, 1 adjutant and 1 commandant to make a total sample of 359 respondents who were obtained through Yamane's formula. Questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect the information. The calculated reliability coefficients for recruits' and instructors' questionnaires were 0.742 and 0.751, respectively, while the aspects of conformability were used to ensure the reliability of the interview guide. Quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics presented in tables. The qualitative data was analyzed by developing themes and presented in narrative form and direct quotations. The study established that the lecture method is the most pedagogical approach used. Furthermore, the study revealed that practical lessons were also given. The study concluded that the basic recruits training programme is conducted through a lecturing method where practicals were also given and a learner-centred method was used but sparingly. The study recommends that TPS management should continuously assess training programmes to make sure recruits receive the necessary skills.
Effectiveness of Reproductive Health Education in Preventing Early Pregnancies in Public Secondary Schools in Magu District, Tanzania
Authors: Asha Ulomi  , Adam Joseph Chidyau  , Bahiya Abdi
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the effectiveness of reproductive health education (RHE) in preventing early pregnancies in public secondary schools in Magu District, Tanzania. Guided by the Social Ecological Theory, the study adopted a parallel convergent design under a mixed methods approach. The target population consisted of 21 public secondary schools, 21 heads of schools (HoSs), 37 biology teachers, 1321 female students, and one District Secondary Education Officer (DSEO). Using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques, the sample consisted of 4 public secondary schools, 144 form four and form three students, 4 biology teachers, and 4 heads of schools. The validity of interview guides and questionnaires was ensured by research experts from MWECAU. Instruments were piloted in two schools and the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient for internal consistency of Likert-type items of teachers' and students' questionnaires were .8 and .7, respectively. Triangulation of instruments and peer debriefing methods were used to establish the trustworthiness of qualitative data. Quantitative data were analyzed and presented in tables through frequencies, percentages, and means, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The study found that there are different perspectives between students and teachers regarding the effectiveness of reproductive health education in preventing early pregnancy among secondary school girls. The study also revealed that students and teachers were divergent on the effectiveness of RHE in reducing the risk of early pregnancy and equipping girls with the necessary skills. The study concluded that teachers' negative attitudes and wrong perceptions of reproductive health education are obstacles to the effectiveness of reproductive health education. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology should develop comprehensive national guidelines for RHE, provide regular teacher training, allocate sufficient budgetary resources, and establish monitoring mechanisms for RHE.
Contribution of Parents-Teachers Platform’s Fundraising Strategy to Enhance Financial Sustainability of Public Secondary Schools in Moshi District Council, Tanzania
Authors: Joseph Kiure  , Dr. Eugene Lyamtane  , Evans Okendo Ogoti
Published: November 2023

The study investigated the contribution of the parents-teachers platform fundraising strategy in enhancing the financial sustainability of public secondary schools in Moshi District Council, Tanzania. The study was guided by Resource Dependence Theory and employed convergent design under a mixed-method research approach. The target population included 61 public secondary schools, 61 heads of schools, 1327 teachers, 122 parents, and 1 District Secondary Education Officer (DSEO). The study used purposive sampling (total population sampling), Simple random sampling, and stratified random sampling techniques. The study sample size was 12 public secondary schools, 12 heads of schools, 144 teachers, 12 parents who are members of the school board and members of parents' teacher's platform, and 1 District Secondary Education Officer (DSEO). The study used questionnaires, interview guides, and document analysis guides for data collection. Instruments validity was ensured by MWECAU research experts. A pilot test was conducted in two secondary schools in Moshi district council. Cronbach's alpha assessed questionnaire reliability where r was 0.721 (r = .721), while that of qualitative was established through peer debriefing and triangulation. Descriptive statistics analyze quantitative data, while thematic analysis examines qualitative data. The study adhered to ethical considerations throughout the research process. A study found that the parents-teachers platform in some Tanzanian schools was not effectively using fundraising to improve financial sustainability. Teachers reported a lack of engagement with the community, alumni, and local businesses for donations. The study concluded that there is a lack of engagement of local businesses and alumni and insufficient utilization of social media and crowdfunding for fundraising purposes. The study recommended the improvement of fundraising strategies by engaging local businesses and the wider community for better financial sustainability.
The Effect of Lending Interest Rates on the Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya
Authors: Daniel Odhiambo Dondi  , Dr. Rober K. Mule  , Dr. Benjamin O. Ombok
Published: November 2023

The paramount significance of a robust banking sector in driving economic growth, executing effective monetary policies, and upholding macroeconomic stability cannot be overstated. This study was centered on discerning the influence of lending interest rates on the financial performance of Kenya's commercial banks from 2015 to 2022. Employing a moderated multiple regression methodology, secondary balanced panel data encompassing 27 mortgage-offering commercial banks and 189 data points were scrutinized. The results of the regression analysis divulged that the autonomous variables explicated a substantial 86.69% (R2=0.8669, p=0.0020) variance in the financial performance of these Kenyan commercial banks. Notably, the coefficient of lending rate manifested as -0.158824, underlining a statistically significant (p=0.0020) association. Consequently, the null hypothesis was invalidated. The research concludes that lending interest rates exert a substantial and adverse impact on the financial performance of commercial banks. It suggests that these banks should react by raising their mortgage lending rates in tandem with increased mortgage provisions, ultimately bolstering profitability and overall financial performance. Escalating lending rates drive the expansion of long-term mortgage loans, thereby augmenting the financial performance of commercial banks.
Humanizing Ethnic Workforce Diversity in a 21st Century Organization: A Grounded Theory Case Study in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Nnamoko Faith Daberechukwu  , Mohd Fauzi Kamarudin
Published: November 2023

The 21st century organizations comprise diverse individuals from different ethnic ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, orientations, ideas, and perspectives on life in general; who come together as a team to achieve a common organizational goal, and managing these diversities has not been an easy task for the human resource development managers as the employees' uniqueness subconsciously play out which tend to interfere with organizational, managerial policies, thereby posing a challenge in the management of these differences. This study seeks to examine the humanization of the challenges faced in managing these ethnic diversities in an ethnically diverse organization. A case study of the Grounded Theory approach was employed on a sample of 49 staff in a Real Estate Company in Nigeria, who were administered a semi-structured interview. The findings show that the attributes of ethnic diversity are natural traits that form the individuals' personalities, and as a result, individual differences should be respected and properly managed for positive organizational productivity and competitive advantage.
Effect of Capital Expenditure on Idiosyncratic Volatility of Stock Returns at the NSE in Kenya
Authors: Caleb Orenge Nyarikini  , Dr. Robert Kisavi Mule  , Dr. Priscilla Ombongi
Published: November 2023

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) provides a platform for investors to stake their money for a return, for businesses to raise equity capital and for the government to mobilize resources to attain national development goals and fulfill Vision 2030 development blueprint in Kenya. Despite the importance of NSE both locally and regionally, volatility of stock returns in the market has been a common phenomenon for the past 8 years. This is evidenced by a continuous decline in the NSE 20 share index from 5,406 points in 2014 to 1,672 points in 2022. Studies have shown that at equilibrium, only systematic risk is priced since all the unsystematic risks can completely be eliminated through diversification and therefore do not affect the overall volatility of stock returns. However, empirical evidence shows that investors may fail to hold a fully diversified portfolio, leading to the need for idiosyncratic risk premium in the pricing of stocks, without which idiosyncratic risks will be major contributors to the overall volatility of stock returns at the NSE. Past literature has shown that for investors who do not hold fully diversified portfolios, firm-specific risks associated with high managerial strength, intangible assets, environmental disclosure, firm size, liquidity, dividend policy and cash flow to price all have a significant effect on firm-specific volatility of stock returns. The effects of Idiosyncratic risks associated with capital expenditure on firm-specific volatility of stock returns at the NSE have not been studied previously. This study sought to examine the effect of capital expenditure on firm-specific volatility of stock returns. The Efficient Market Hypothesis, Modern Portfolio Theory and Fama & French three-factor model informed the study. The research employed a quantitative approach with a correlational research design using secondary data. Firms forming the NSE 25 share index formed the target population (N = 25), with annual data for 10 years from 2010 to 2019, yielding 250 data points. Fixed effects dynamic panel data regression model was used to analyse data. The results showed a positive and significant relationship between Capital expenditure (CAPIT: β = 0.024737, p = 0.0000. Earnings Quality, the moderating variable, strengthened and had a positive and significant effect on the overall model and the relationship increasing R2 from 74.2096% to 85.7798%. The study concludes that capital expenditure (CAPIT) is a significant positive predictor of stock return volatility is recommended that NSE-listed firms should decrease their capital expenditure, use more internal sources of finance and focus more on wealth maximization objectives to reduce the volatility of stock returns. These findings may be useful to policymakers and academia in designing models which capture firm-specific risks in stock pricing to reduce stock return volatility for firms at the NSE.
Risk Management in Nigerian Banking Industry: A Case Study of the Union Bank PLC
Authors: Apanisile Temitope Samuel
Published: November 2023

This study aims to investigate risk management practices in the banking sector of Nigeria, with a specific focus on Union Bank PLC. It was decided to use a survey research design for this investigation. The goal is to investigate the state of risk management in Nigeria's financial sector. The city of Abuja has been chosen as the location for the research. Union Bank Plc staff and customers in Abuja, FCT, Nigeria, were randomly chosen as the study's population. From the total number used to establish the sample size, 2,600 individuals were randomly chosen to participate in the survey. Taro Yamane's formula was used to calculate the population sample size since it is easy to understand. The sample size, therefore, is 347 respondents. Both primary and secondary data were used to complete this research. The questionnaire is structured in accordance with the aims. Each goal will be the basis for a set of questions. SPSS (statistical software for the social sciences) was used to run the nonparametric statistical test (Chi-square) to check the hypothesized relationships between variables. The acquired data was examined using Freq tables, %, and mean score analysis. Then the study discovered Union Bank PLC had demonstrated a commitment to effective risk management by implementing various risk management practices that have helped to mitigate the risks associated with its operations. The study has also identified some challenges that Union Bank PLC faces in its risk management practices, such as inadequate staffing, lack of adequate technology infrastructure, and inadequate training and development of staff. Among others, the study recommends that it is necessary to strengthen the risk management framework: Union Bank PLC should continue to strengthen its risk management framework to ensure that it covers all areas of its operations. The bank should conduct a comprehensive review of its risk management framework to identify any gaps or weaknesses. Based on the findings of the review, the bank should develop and implement a plan to strengthen its risk management framework. The plan should include regular updates to risk management policies, procedures, and guidelines. The bank should also ensure that its risk management framework is aligned with international best practices and regulatory requirements. The bank should consider adopting a risk-based approach to its operations, which involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks before they materialize.
Influence of Procurement Planning on The Performance of County Governments in Kenya: A Case Study of Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Chesang Joan Rotich  , Dr. Wycliffe Arani  , Dr. Cynthia Ikamari
Published: November 2023

Procurement is very critical in the performance of both private and public organizations. Many companies have incorporated and implemented procurement practices that have consequences that impact overall performance. There are many procurement practices that are adoptable in our county governments, especially those that have derailed operations and performance. The main aim of the study was to determine the impacts of procurement planning on the performance of county governments in Kenya. After the devolvement of county governments, they were given the autonomy to perform most of the purchases and acquisitions and hence are independent. However, many counties have failed to manage public funds and have lost a lot of money, especially in the procurement department. Failure to adhere to the rules and policies put in place in the procurement procedures and slow implementation of various procurement practices have led to low procurement performance. The study used Nairobi County government as the case study. The study employed procurement planning as one of the procurement practices. To aid in attaining the research objective, the study used the principal-Agency theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study targeted procurement staff to gather information which included Heads of procurement, heads of departments, procurement officers, accountants, and clerks. A total of 112 respondents were targeted and the census method was applied. After the data were collected using open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires, graphs and tables were used to show the study's data in the form of frequency distribution tables. Standard deviation, percentages, and means were employed as the tools of descriptive statistics. In order to predict the values of the dependent variable, a regression model was employed. The findings indicated that there was a positive correlation between procurement planning and performance and it was statistically significant. The study recommended that the county should reduce operational costs related to procurement to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the procurement department, proper follow-ups to be taken for all awarded contracts, implementation of e-procurement practices, and best sourcing strategy. Further recommendations were directed to the entire procurement team to ensure the whole procurement process is followed in purchasing all goods and services at the county level. The researcher recommended further research to be done in counties to compare the results.
Enhancing SME Performance in the UAE Services Sector: Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Noora Saeed Alkhateri  , Suraya Binti Ahmad
Published: November 2023

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the services sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) confront significant challenges, including intense competition, limited resources, client acquisition and retention struggles, trend adaptation difficulties, and talent recruitment and retention issues. This paper undertakes an exploration of strategies aimed at overcoming these challenges and fostering growth within the dynamic UAE market. This exploration is facilitated through a comprehensive review of existing literature and the construction of a conceptual framework for empirical validation. By leveraging technology adoption, organizational factors, environmental factors, and social media adoption, SMEs can enhance their service performance. Additionally, this paper sheds light on the intermediary role played by the mediating role of social media adoption in the relationship between technology, organizational factors, environmental factors, and service performance, which has received little attention in previous research.
Critical Stressors and Performance of Academic Staff in Federal Polytechnics in South East Nigeria
Authors: Dr. Eni Chioma Ijeoma
Published: November 2023

This study investigated critical stressors and the performance of academic staff in federal polytechnics in South East Nigeria. Structural questionnaire was the principal tool used in eliciting information from 315 respondents drawn from the study population. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were used in the analysis of data. The findings revealed workload, time pressure and poor working conditions as the critical factors leading to stress among academic staff of federal polytechnics of South East Nigeria. The study shows that workload with an eigen value of 2.382 explained 34.026% of the variance, while time pressure with an eigen-value of 1.420 explained 20.28% of the variance and poor working conditions with an eigen-value of 1.029 explained 14.702% of the variance. These three factors explained 69% of the variance. The researcher concludes that work stress among academic staff in federal polytechnics of South East Nigeria is widespread and lends support to the growing evidence that higher educational institutions no longer provide the low-stress working environment they once did. If the management and government show adequate concern towards the welfare of academic staff, work-related stress would be reduced and the result would be an improvement in the quality of education and the provision of a talented and competent workforce in the country. The researcher recommends that the management of the polytechnic should reduce the excess workload by engaging more lecturers within available resources either on a full-time or part-time basis.
Service-learning Pedagogy: Traceability to Students’ Academic Performance in Federal Universities in Nigeria
Authors: Stephen I. Dugguh  , Dr. M.N. Ugochukwu  , Jennifer M.Yina  , Freeman J. T. Dugguh
Published: November 2023

The paper investigates the extent of influence of service-learning pedagogy on academic performance among students of Federal Universities in Nigeria with a particular focus on Federal University of Kashere, Gombe, Nigeria. Service-learning is an educational approach that combines classroom instruction with community service that enhances both academic learning and community engagement. It has gained prominence as a means for enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. Research studies in many universities emphasized the imperative of engaging university students in the transition from the traditional method of learning to a more dynamic approach that involves active learning, teaching, researching and community service, which indeed aids the students' academic performance. A noteworthy strategy in this domain is service-learning, which enables students to apply their knowledge, skills and abilities to address community challenges. Despite being introduced in a few Nigerian universities, service-learning remains a novel concept within the Nigerian educational system. Therefore, the paper seeks to determine the extent to which service-learning influences or affects students' academic performance and contributes to community engagement. Data were collected through secondary data sources and semi-structured interviews with respondents. The result indicates that service-learning programs significantly influence or impact the academic performance of students in Federal Universities in Nigeria. The paper recommends that service-learning should be taught at all levels in all Federal Universities in Nigeria so that the academic performance and community engagement of the students would be enhanced.
Influence of Destination Visits in the Promotion of Tourism in Tanzania: A Word-of-Mouth Perspective
Authors: Dr. Lilian Joseph Macha
Published: November 2023

This study examines the influence of destination visits in promoting tourism in Tanzania based on word-of-mouth. The study employs Social Exchange Theory to extend the applicability of the use of the destination visit in promoting tourism through word-of-mouth. Questionnaires were distributed to 400 respondents in Dar-es-Salaam, Arusha and Bagamoyo. Being a quantitative study, Structure Equation Modeling (SEM) was deployed in order to establish whether marketing strategies (STRAT), reasons for visit (RFV) and destination visits (DVT) lead to Promotion of Tourism in Tanzania. The results of the study show that the measurement and structural model exhibited better model fit indices. The relationship between destination visits and participation in domestic tourism was significant as the results of data analysis indicate stronger effects. It is recommended that all factors indicated in this study be recognized for Promotion of Tourism in Tanzania.
Influence of Sexuality Programmes on the Youth in the Deliverance Church in Kisumu County, Kenya
Authors: Mercy Atieno Opondi  , Dr. Peter Kibutu  , Dr. Cyprian Kavivya
Published: November 2023

Worldwide, youths engage in risky sexual behaviours which place them at risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions. In Kenya, cases of youths engaging in irresponsible sexual behaviours have been on the rise, with many girls getting pregnant and dropping out of school. In order to curb sexual risk-taking behavior among the youth, religious institutions have attempted to educate young people on their sexuality through youth sexuality programmes. Despite such interventions, youths still engage in high-risk sexual behaviours which adversely affect their health. The objectives of this study, therefore, were to: 

Establish the effectiveness of the sexuality programmes offered by the Deliverance Church to the youth in Kisumu County, 

Investigate the challenges Deliverance Church has faced in offering sex education to the youth in Kisumu County and 

Develop strategies that can be used to improve the sexuality programmes offered by the Deliverance Church to the youth in Kisumu County. 

The theoretical framework of the study was the Sexual Script Theory which postulates that sexual behaviours of human beings are written in a script. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design and was carried out in five branches of Deliverance Church in Kisumu County. A simple random sampling technique was used to sample 210 youths who participated in the study. The study included 38 parents, 6 Sunday school teachers and five pastors who were sampled through a purposive sampling technique. A saturated sampling technique was used to sample the five branches of the Deliverance Church. Structured questionnaires, Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used to collect data. The participants in this study were assured of privacy and confidentiality. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Analysed data were presented in the form of tables, pie-charts, frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that the approach used in teaching sexuality, topics covered by the sexuality programmes, the duration of teaching sexuality and the facilitators of the sexuality programmes significantly influenced the sexual behaviour of the youth. The study recommended that training should be offered more frequently to teachers and pastors. It also recommended that sex education programmes should be introduced at an early age and should be taught at every stage in life.
The Role of Indigenous African Religio-Ethical Values in the African Renaissance: A Case of Young Graduates in Kenya
Authors: Samuel Ébalé  , Mary N. Getui
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the role of indigenous African religio-ethical values, particularly focusing on the concept of Ubuntu in the African Renaissance. It explores the perspectives of young graduates in Kenya and aims to contribute to the scholarly debate regarding the significance of the ethical values of Ubuntu in Africa's reconstruction. The study emphasizes the importance of culture in societal transformation, drawing upon Afrocentricity and Ubuntu theories as the theoretical framework. By examining the perceptions of young graduate students from four institutions of higher learning in Nairobi, the research explores the potential links between Ubuntu spiritual philosophy and the African Renaissance, as well as the influence of education on the alignment of youth identity with Ubuntu values and Africa's transformation. The findings indicate that university education inadequately incorporates the African worldview encapsulated in Ubuntu, suggesting a need for higher education to develop an appropriate epistemology that emphasizes interconnectedness and interdependence. This study addresses a knowledge gap by exploring the perspectives of young graduates and shedding light on the importance of indigenous African religio-ethical values in shaping Africa's future.
The Ubuntu and African Identity in the 21st Century
Authors: Samuel Ébalé  , Benson A. Mulemi
Published: November 2023

This research study explores the influence of Ubuntu philosophy on African identity within contemporary Africa, employing the theoretical frameworks of Afrocentricity and Ubuntu. By focusing on the perspectives of recent graduates from four prominent higher learning institutions in Nairobi, the study sheds light on the impact of Ubuntu philosophy on individuals' understanding and experience of African identity. The findings of the study underscore the Ubuntu philosophy's emphasis on the interconnectedness and interdependence of all individuals, promoting values such as empathy, compassion, and respect. These values are identified as fundamental for nurturing strong and cohesive communities, facilitating social harmony, and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Moreover, the study highlights the close association between Ubuntu philosophy and the African Renaissance, an influential movement that seeks to revive and celebrate African culture and values. Ubuntu philosophy, it posits, holds the potential to contribute significantly to the African Renaissance by cultivating a shared identity and a collective purpose among Africans. Consequently, the study recommends that African universities incorporate Ubuntu philosophy into their curricula as a means to enhance students' understanding of social relations and foster Africa's holistic development and renaissance. In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of Ubuntu philosophy in shaping African identity, promoting values crucial for community building, and contributing to the African Renaissance. Integrating Ubuntu philosophy into higher education is essential for nurturing a deeper comprehension of social dynamics and empowering individuals to actively participate in Africa's comprehensive growth and reawakening.
Abdulrazak Gurnah’s Novels: Correcting Tanzanians’ Perspectives and Addressing Controversies
Authors: Geniva Clement Kazinja
Published: November 2023

This study examines the controversial perspectives on Abdulrazak Gurnah's novels within Tanzanian society following his Nobel Prize for Literature win in 2021. The study aims to correct Tanzania's views by exploring the controversies that arose and assessing their impact on the country's literary landscape. Despite the controversies surrounding Gurnah's works, this article argues that they have had a significant influence on Tanzanian literature. The research was conducted at four universities: University of Dar-es-Salaam, Kampala University, State University of Zanzibar, and Open University. Data were collected from 200 respondents, including professors, teachers, students, writers, and publishers, through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data, which was presented using descriptive and diagrammatic formats. The findings reveal that the controversies in Tanzania regarding Gurnah's award stemmed from the language used in his novels, the themes presented, the author's closeness to his community, the Tanzanianess of his works, and reading habits in Tanzania. However, these controversies have had positive implications for Tanzania's literary landscape. Gurnah's international recognition has provided a platform for Tanzanian literature to gain global exposure and reach a wider audience. Additionally, his success has spurred the advocacy for the establishment of a national award for creative writing, revitalized interest in literary consumption, and sustained his own prolific output in English-language literature. Moreover, Gurnah's works have contributed to enriching Swahili literature through translations, bridging the gap between the two languages.
How Did Taiwanese Undergraduate Students Perceive Their English Reading and Writing Abilities?
Authors: Hsing-I Lin
Published: November 2023

Needs analyses can help demystify EFL students’ learning needs. This survey study with nineteen advanced EFL students from a university in southern Taiwan aimed to investigate how they perceived their English reading and writing abilities to help design a suitable curriculum to enhance their English for academic and professional purposes. The results of this study revealed that they perceived more challenges derived from their control over sentence-level grammar and limited vocabulary bank. However, they reported that their reading and writing abilities were above average. Explicit instruction to enhance their problem-solving skills, focusing on their common problems, combined with well-planned classroom activities that include expository writing and oral reports, may help them upgrade their overall performance when communicating in English for personal and professional purposes.
Conservation and Preservation of Immovable Heritage from Below: Local Community Involvement in the Management of Shimoni Caves in the South Coast of Kenya
Authors: Benard M. Busaka  , Jethron A. Akalla  , Lazarus K. Ngari
Published: November 2023

The archaeological heritage, both movable and immovable, is part of the country's cultural heritage. This heritage not only documents the past but also defines people and gives society its identity and sense of belonging. Cultural heritage resources have various values and contribute to the overall development of societies where they exist. In Kenya, according to National Museums and Heritage Act 2006, all the archaeological heritage is managed by the National Museums of Kenya (NMK). Among other responsibilities, the institution is required to protect and conserve these cultural resources as part of its management obligations. Besides, Kenya is a signatory to many international conventions on archaeological heritage management, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 1972 World Heritage Convention that sets out international standards on cultural heritage management in the world. Despite the existence of these local and international protocols, challenges mostly relating to effective immovable archaeological heritage management still abound. Of essence is a management model deployed to ensure that immovable heritage as finite resources survive to posterity. To this end, many innovative approaches have emerged to bridge the gap, the key of which is the enhanced role of the local community in archaeological heritage management. This new paradigm shift ought to be embraced in the country since immovable heritage derives immediate value from the communities around it before assuming relevance to national or global human heritage. This article employs qualitative research methods to unravel the level and framework under which the Shimoni Caves' community in the South Coast of Kenya is involved in managing this resource as an immovable heritage.

The key is the threat of modernization and despite the potential the approach holds in promoting ownership and identity of locals with the heritage for sustainability in management and utilization, there is a lower level of knowledge towards conservation. Utilization for touristic value derivation is a double-edged sword. The NMK, as custodian of heritage laws, needs to collaborate with the communities to guide and lead preservation and conservation efforts to attain sustainable usage.
CACOVID Response to COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: The Social Marketing Approach
Authors: Dr. Adeyemo, Saheed A.  , Dr. Ibuot, Udo. P.
Published: November 2023

Social marketing is a discipline that combines ideas from commercial marketing and the social sciences to influence people's behaviour in a sustainable and cost-effective way. It is defined as the design, implementation and control of programmes, calculated to influence the acceptability of social ideas and involves consideration of product, planning, pricing, communication, distribution and marketing research. The goal of social marketing is always to change or maintain the behaviour pattern of people, and it does not focus on how people think or are aware of the social situation. Predominantly applied in public health, social marketing has thrived over the years in health promotion, injury prevention, environmental protection and community mobilisation.

The paper examines the application of social marketing principles on the formation and operations of the Coalition of Private Sector against COVID-19 (CACOVID) by the Central Bank governor with bankers, industrialists and other business leaders to support the presidential task force set up by the Federal Government in its response to COVID-19 in Nigeria. It also examines the planning processes involved, such as the purpose statement or the social situation of the study, situation analysis, target audience, marketing objectives, barriers or benefits and positioning statement. The paper is anchored on the Theory of Planned Behaviour, which explains that intentions to perform behaviours of different kinds can be predicted with high accuracy from attitudes toward such behaviours and their perceived behaviour control.

The CACOVID programme approach was effective because it led to the harvesting of humongous resources to support governments’ efforts to tackle the pandemic in all areas of intervention.
Explicit Interactive Writing Instruction: Scaffolding for EFL Students
Authors: Hsing-I Lin
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this case study was to examine the effect of explicit, interactive writing instruction on the writing development of four college students, two novice writers and two intermediate writers. The results showed that this holistic, not reduced, controlled writing instruction, had positive potential in providing these student writers with essential scaffolding to achieve ZPD in terms of upgrading their writing abilities for professional purposes.
Role of the Anglican Church of Kenya in Averting Gender-based Violence: A Case of Diocese of Meru, Kenya
Authors: David Muuro Nkaabu
Published: November 2023

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a severe health and human rights issue that has an impact on people's lives on a personal, family, and community level. Despite the efforts of numerous advocacy groups and organizations, GBV is still a concern in many areas, including the Anglican Church of Kenya, Meru Diocese. This study aimed to assess the role of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) in preventing GBV in Meru Diocese. The specific objectives of this study were to: 

Examine the role of pastoral care and counselling programmes in ACK in averting GBV within Diocese of Meru, Kenya. 

Determine the role of conscientization campaigns in ACK in averting GBV within the Diocese of Meru, Kenya. 

Determine the role of gender-oriented campaigns in ACK in averting GBV within the Diocese of Meru, Kenya.

Evaluate the role of reconciliation in ACK in averting GBV within the Diocese of Meru, Kenya. 

The study was guided by two theories, namely: the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), which is a social psychological theory that predicts and explains human behaviour in certain contexts. The TPB posits that behaviour is determined by three main factors: intention, perceived behavioural control, and attitudes, and the Conscientization Theory. This theory, reflection and action are the means through which one acquires a critical awareness of social reality. By using this theory, gender-based violence abusers and victims alike would be able to perceive one another's actions as instructive and fully comprehend the contribution of the Anglican Church of Kenya to the averting of gender-based violence. The study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, with both quantitative and qualitative data collected. The quantitative data were collected through a survey of 200 people, including 20 church leaders, 20 men, and 160 women who experienced GBV. The qualitative data were collected through interviews with church leaders and survivors of GBV. The study research instruments were pre-tested before the actual research. It was performed at the East African Presbyterian Church, Isiolo Presbytery. PCEA Isiolo Presbytery has the same characteristics as Anglican Church of Kenya, Diocese of Meru. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented through median, frequencies and percentage. SPSS version 24 was used to analyse the qualitative data, which is presented using tables and charts. The findings of the study have made recommendations on how ACK can effectively prevent GBV in Meru Diocese.
Assessing International Non-Governmental Organizations’ Development Programs and Climate Change Adaptations in Empowering Women Socio-Economically in Makueni County, Kenya
Authors: Elizabeth Mukai Kithuka
Published: November 2023

This study highlighted the interrelationship between the types of programs provided by International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) to empower women socio-economically and climate change. Climate change is accelerating very fast and affecting the more vulnerable women and girls. It is, therefore, important to ensure proper mechanisms are put in place by development actors by providing the right programs that lead to climate resilience. Globally, many people who are affected by climate change risks are women and girls. Although there are many Non-Governmental efforts that have focused on different entry points to empower women, there is still more room to align women's economic empowerment and climate change. It is, therefore, important to support women through programs with climate resilience programs for Sustainable Development. The research employed a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative method) and descriptive research design in data collection. The study targeted women beneficiaries in Self Help Groups (SHGs) of World Vision and Action Aid programs and key informants such as project and government officials in Makueni County. The study dealt with INGOs that had operated within the study area for the last five years and above. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The study revealed that the main programs included education and training, water and sanitation, disaster risk reduction management, support programs for HIV/AIDs, women and girls rights, leadership and governance, Cash for Assets and Food for Assets. The study concluded that the provision of such programs with climate adaptation initiatives led to a positive impact on the socio-economic empowerment of women and each type of program had a specific contribution. The study concludes that proper programs have to be adapted accordingly in line with climate change for better climate justice for the empowerment of women.
Discussion on the Issues of Good and Evil
Authors: Nguyen Anh Quoc
Published: November 2023

In today's conditions, good and evil are understood very differently, so it is necessary to clarify the transformation between good and evil in maintaining the survival of species. When humans separate from species, humans are living objects of each other. Humans become each other's means and ends, making human life differentiated into different species. Different living habits make the instincts of a species different. The family lives by tradition, religion lives by canon law, and the state lives by law. Human hypocrisy, family conflict, inadequacy in religion, conservatism in the state, and laziness in productive labor are the survival problems of mankind. Every living species has an internal and external exchange, that is, a necessary and free exchange, an unconscious and instinctive exchange, a capacity and a need, a will and a knowledge, a means and an end. The transformation between means and ends causes human life to be divided into different species, such as family, religion, state, and company. Different jobs in the family, religion, state, and company are living habits and survival instincts. All professions are noble and equal, without discrimination between people. When people become means, each other's ends make truth and falsehood, justice and injustice, and good and evil appear. As the norm, money is the need. Family, religion, and state carry the instinct of a species. Jobs and professions with standard instincts and money are replaced by robots. The action of the robot is irresponsible, and the responsibility belongs to the human race.