Challenges and Effectiveness of Nurturing Programs among Seventh-day Adventist Secondary Schools in Southern Tanzania Union Mission

Abstract

This study was about challenges and effectiveness of nurturing programs among Seventh-day Adventist secondary schools in Southern Tanzania Union Mission through the descriptive research design. A sample of 284 students and 57 school staff participated through interview and questionnaire. Data analysis was done through the thematic approach. Challenges that schools faced in implementing nurturing programs include lack facilities for spiritual programs. Corporal punishment was a hindrance for teachers to nurture students as it was difficult for teacher to sit down with emotionally wounded students and implement nurturing programs. Despite the outlined challenges, the implementation of nurturing programs was somewhat effective as students reported the existence of a number of spiritual, social and character development nurturing programs. The study recommends that school owners should equip the schools with adequate facilities like spiritual books and chapel buildings and provide staff houses so that teachers may live within school premises and find time to provide nurturing programs after class hours. Schools should be commended for the existing nurturing programs and staff members should be encouraged to continue providing various nurturing programs.