Analysis of the impact of rape on performance in secondary schools. (case study; mathare in kenya)

ABSTRACT

A descriptive study was carried out in Mathare Slums in Nairobi Province, Kenya between the month of April 2008 and May 2008. It involved the analyses of the impact of rape among the youths on performance in secondary school. A total of 196 respondents participated in the study. The general objective of the study was to analyze the effect of rape on academic performance in secondary schools. Specific objectives were three namely: to identify the nature and forms of rape, to identify the nature of problem faced by rape victims and lastly assess the impact of rape on performance in secondary schools. Both primary and secondary data collection methods were used. All the respondents were between the Age of 15-30 and they included students, teaching staff and subordinate staffs of different secondary schools, 90% of the respondents were female while 10% were males where all religions were represented. 99% of it he respondents were aware of rape in that they were in a position to identify causes of rape, problems faced by the rape victims including diseases they are prone to. This project has discussed the findings of the study and has identified other cause of poor performance rather than rape. The study has also come up with conclusion the researcher that at least I in 4 secondary school students have experienced rape or attempted rape and 1 to 7 students have been coerced into sex . The most common perpetrators of rape are schoolmates, boyfriends, relatives and teachers.97% of the rape victims knew their assailants prior to the assault in that majority of the perpetrators are known to the victim. Lastly the researcher recommended that teachers and parents should ensure that rape victims have been given appropriate counseling in order to accept their situation and live thus perform like other student. The youth should avoid being in places where calls for help will not be heard shouid unwanted sexual abuse occur.