School Administrative Factors Influencing Sexual Violence against Children (SVAC) In Primary Schools of Urban District, Zanzibar

Abstract

This study aimed at finding out school administrative factors influencing sexual violence against children (SVAC) in primary schools of Urban District, Zanzibar. The study used a qualitative research approach. A case study research design was employed. A purposive sample of 20 respondents who were primary school children and 22 key informants was drawn for this study. A semi-structured interview guide was used to solicit information from the respondents. The data were analyzed and used thematic data analysis technique to make meaning out of the data. Study findings revealed that, poor accountability of school management, misuse of authority by school teachers to children and ineffectiveness of reporting system on sexual violence cases were school administrative factors influencing SVAC in primary schools. Based on the findings of the study it is recommended that owner of primary schools should employ workers who are self-disciplined, accountable and willing to take appropriate action to SVAC perpetrators regardless of their power, positions and authority. Moreover, a system of reporting SVAC cases should be in place and that laws, rules and regulations related to SVAC are reinforced to ensure that children use the school environment profitably and develop their full potential as responsible citizen.