The Contribution of Secondary Schools towards Environmental Protection in Gasabo District-Rwanda

ABSTRACT 

This study investigated the contribution of secondary schools in environmental protection in secondary schools in Gasabo District, Rwanda. Specifically, the study sought to; IdentifY the demographic characteristics of the respondents in terms of: Gender, category and Class/teaching experience; To investigate the extent and degree of severity of the problem of environmental protection in Rwanda; To assess students and teachers' awareness about issues related to environmental protection and to determine the differences between male and female students and teachers in their level of environmental awareness. A descriptive survey research design was adapted where a total sample of I 94 respondents including teachers and students were consulted. The primary data was collected using structured questionnaires for teachers and students. Consequently, mainly quantitative data were collected. Research findings revealed that the environmental problem in Rwanda is so severe. Besides, the majority of students and teachers revealed that their level of environmental awareness is high. Male and Female teachers and students in this study have the same level of environmental awareness and gender is not a factor, which affects their environmental awareness. In order to improve environmental protection, the study recommended that various cocurricular activities in schools be encouraged to help in developing student's environmental awareness, among others.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION....................................................................................................... u

APPROVAL . . .............. .. ............ ........ .............. .. .......... .. ...... .............................. ........ m

DEDICATION............................................................................................................ IV

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................ v

TABLE OF CONTENTS.......................................................................................... v1

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES..................................................................................... 1x

ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS........................................................................... x

ABSTRACT ... ········································································ ···································· XI

Chapter One INTRODUCTION.......................................................... 1

1.1 Background of the study.................................................................................. 1

1.2 Statement of the Study.................................................................................... 5

1.3 Purpose of the Study........................................................................................ 5

1.4 Specific objectives of the Study....................................................................... 6

1. 5 Research hypotheses........................................................................................ 6

1.6 Scope of the study........................................................................................... 6

1.7 Significance ofthe Study................................................................................. 7

1.8 Operational Definitions ofKey Terms............................................................ 8

1.9 conceptual framework................................................................ 9

Chapter Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ......•••••.•••••........••••••...•.

2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... .

2. 2 Concepts, Ideas, Opinions from Authors/Experts ........................................... .

Theoretical Perspective ................................................................................... .

Summary of the Literature Review ................................................................. .

Chapter Three METHODOLOGY...................................................................... 25

3 .I Introduction...................................................................................................... 25

3.2 Research Design............................................................................................. 25

3.3 Areaofstudy....................................................................... 26

3.4 Research Population. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

3.5 Sample size.......................................................................... 26

3.6 Sampling procedures............................................................ 26

3. 7 Data Collection Tools.................................................................................... 26

3. 8 Data Quality Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. . . . . .. . . . . . 27

3.9 Data Analysis................................................................................................... 28

3 .I 0 Ethical Considerations................................................................................... 28

3 .II Limitations of the study... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Chapter Fou1· DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 29

4. I Introduction ................... ................................................................................. 29

4.2 Demographic Information about the Sample....................................... 29

4.3 The degree of severity of the problem of environmental protection.......... 31

4.4 The level of Environmental Awareness among Secondary Schools

in Gasabo District, Rwanda between Students and Teachers................. 32

4.5 Various Dimensions of Students and Teachers Environmental

Awareness with Reference to Category of respondents and Gender...... 36

Chapter Five DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 38

5.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. . 38

5.2 There is no significant difference between students and teachers in Terms oflevel of environmental awareness... .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 8

5.3 To determine whether there is no significant differences between

The degree of severity of the problem of environmental protection In Rwanda ...................................................................... .

5.4 There will be no significant difference between male and female students and teachers in their level of environmental awareness ............... .

Summary of findings ..................................................................................... .

General Conclusion and of Findings ............................................................ .

Recommendations .................................................................... .

5.8 Further Research ........................................................................................... .

APPENDIX I: Informed consent form ..................................................... .

APPENDIX II: Questionnaire for a Student... ................................................ .

APPENDIX III: Questionnaire for a Teacher.. ................................... .

APPENDIX IV: Map ofGasabo District ........................................... .

APPENDIX V: Letter of ipproval ................................................ .