Guidance and Counselling Services and Girls’ Retention in Secondary Schools in Kitgum District
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Date
2026-10-10
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Publisher
Gulu University
Abstract
This study was conducted on guidance and counselling services and girls’ retention in secondary schools in Kitgum District. The study was guided by the following objectives; to determine the status of guidance and counselling services in secondary schools, to examine the level of girls’ retention in secondary schools and to establish the relationship between guidance and counselling services and girls’ retention in secondary schools in Kitgum District. The study used quantitative method and data were collected using questionnaires from 85 participants . Results were presented on tables and figures. Findings established that secondary schools (76.5%) provide support to girls at risk of dropping out through counselling services, educational encouragement, attendance monitoring, collaboration with parents and communities and implementation of programmes aimed at reducing dropout. The findings revealed that most girls remain in school from one term to another, indicating generally good retention levels. Finding established a positive (r = 0.43) and statistically significant relationship between guidance and counselling services and girls’ retention in secondary schools. The study concluded that availability of functional guidance and counselling contributes significantly to addressing personal, social and academic challenges that often lead to school dropout. The study concluded that girls’ retention in secondary schools is generally satisfactory and has improved over time, guidance and counselling services, strong educational aspirations among girls, and active collaboration between schools exist. The study concluded that guidance and counselling services have a positive, statistically significant and meaningful influence on girls’ retention in secondary schools. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education and Sports, school administrators and education stakeholders should strengthen guidance and counselling programmes by increasing financial and material resource allocation, recruiting and training qualified counsellors, and providing dedicated counselling facilities.
School administrators should strengthen comprehensive retention programmes by enhancing guidance and counselling services, improving attendance monitoring and follow-up systems, increasing parental and community engagement, and providing targeted support to girls at risk of dropping out due to early pregnancy, early marriage, and other social challenges.
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Keywords
Guidance, Counselling and Girls’ Retention in Secondary Schools, Retention in Secondary Schools
Citation
Godfrey Opwonya(2026)Guidance and Counselling Services and Girls’ Retention in Secondary Schools in Kitgum District