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Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Africa has over 100 million unskilled youth who are either under-employed or un-employed. African countries have adopted TVETs to develop these youth professionally and with technical competencies. In Africa, investing in TVET is costly hence some developing countries like Kenya face efficiency challenges regarding to resource utilization and students flow through the school system at various levels of education and programs. The government of Kenya has in the recent past undertaken several initiatives in TVETs to enhance the development of this unit of education. This study sought to establish the influence of increased TVET trainers’ employment by the government on the internal efficiency of TVETs in Rift Valley Region, Kenya. Research Methods: The study was based on the Durkheim theory. Mixed research design was used. A pragmatist research philosophy was adopted. The study was carried out in the Rift Valley Region, Kenya. A sample of 109 respondents comprising of 12 principals, 96 heads of departments and 1 TVETA officer was used. This was drawn from a population of 12 principals, 127 heads of departments and 1 regional TVETA officer. Stratified random sampling, proportionate sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed in obtaining the sample size. Questionnaires and an interview schedule were used for collecting data. Validity and reliability for these instruments was established before starting data collection. Analysis of data was done using descriptive, inferential statistics and content analysis. Results & Analysis: Results showed that TVET trainers’ employment had a positive and significant effect on completion rates and performance, hence, TVET internal efficiency of (β=-0.127, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study concluded that employment of additional trainers enhances TVETs internal efficiency.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Africa has over 100 million unskilled youth who are either under-employed or un-employed. African countries have adopted TVETs to develop these youth professionally and, with technical competencies. Investing in TVET is costly hence some developing countries like Kenya face efficiency challenges in regard to resource utilization and students flow through the school system at various levels of education and programs. The government of Kenya has in the recent past undertaken several initiatives in TVETs to enhance the development of this unit of education. This study sought to establish the influence of government financing for TVET trainees on the internal efficiency of TVETs in Rift Valley Region, Kenya. Research Methods: The study was based on the Durkheim theory. Mixed research design was used. A pragmatist research philosophy was adopted. The study was carried out in the Rift Valley Region, Kenya. A sample of 109 respondents comprising of 12 principals, 96 heads of departments and 1 TVETA officer was used. This was drawn from a population of 12 principals, 127 heads of departments and 1 regional TVETA officer. Stratified random sampling, proportionate sampling and simple random sampling techniques were employed in obtaining the sample size. Questionnaires and an interview schedule were used for collecting data. Validity and reliability for these instruments was established before starting data collection. Analysis of data was done using descriptive, inferential statistics and content analysis. Results & Analysis: Results showed that government financing for TVET trainees had a positive and significant effect on enrolment, retention and completion rates, hence, a positive impact on TVET internal efficiency of (β=0.083, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study concludes that Government capitation fee and HELB loans for TVET Trainees enhances TVETs’ Internal Efficiency.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
The digital transformation of population administration through Digital Population Identity (IKD) offers more efficient public services, but its implementation at the local level still faces a gap between institutional readiness and the community’s digital environment. This study aims to analyze the implementation of IKD and identify its supporting and hindering factors in East Tanjung Jabung Regency. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach with six informants representing government and community stakeholders. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation, then analyzed using an interactive model involving data collection, data condensation, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results indicate that IKD implementation is underway but has not yet reached its full potential. The competence and commitment of government officials, division of tasks, coordination, service procedures, and integration with the SIAK system are the main supporting factors. Conversely, limited budgets and facilities, uneven internet coverage, low digital literacy and community readiness, limited devices, and suboptimal integration with external services continue to hinder implementation. Key findings identify a gap between institutional readiness and digital environment readiness, indicating that government organizations’ readiness is insufficient without the support of infrastructure and public readiness. This study underscores the importance of aligning institutional capacity, digital infrastructure, public literacy, and service integration to achieve more inclusive and accessible digital identity services.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the corporate world, enhancing operational efficiency, automating processes, and supporting decision-making. Its impact, however, raises concerns about job security, ethical use, worker readiness, and well-being. This study examines the impact of AI on corporate employees from a social work perspective by exploring its influence on work practices, employee experiences, and future workplace expectations. A well structured questionnaire was used to obtain primary data from 89 company employees using a descriptive study approach. The sampling technique employed was convenient sampling: According to what was uncovered, AI has shown to be a key part of everyday office work. In fact, most respondents admitted to frequently using AI, mainly ChatGPT, in their everyday duties, be it writing, creating content, or analysing. There exists a consensus over the fact that goals towards achieving trustworthiness, accuracy and reliability have not been attained as evident by employee, concerns about loss of privacy and vagueness in AI solutions are seen. Results also indicate that worker’s perception that AI will change the skill set required within the organisation going forward rather than render some skills unnecessary. It is also predicted that AI skills will become a crucial one to advance the career path. But even though researchers are optimistic about this tech advancement, the integration of AI at offices must include proper trainings & ethics to make sure of productivity as well as sustainable development. Regular Training for Workers: To make sure that the employees are given the opportunity to enhance their employability (including via ongoing training) our research advocates regular training for workers. Ethical Issues about Use of AI: Our investigation encourages ethically relevant concerns about using AI technologies that protect employees’ personal data as well as security.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Objective: To examine how the various existing health systems are represented in the health areas and in the health districts in the management of cardiovascular disease in Yaounde, Cameroon. It describes the taxonomy of health systems and meaning of CVDs in the community. It explains the different types of health systems which includes: biomedical, faith-healing and the African traditional health system which has eventually influenced their lifestyle and their therapeutic choices. It does an elaboration of the cultural representations of health systems and CVDs by members of the community. Drawing on the perspectives of medical anthropology, this study explores the cultural meanings, local beliefs, social relations, economic conditions, and therapeutic practices attached to cardiovascular diseases and to examine the social determinants influencing disease occurrence, interpretation, prevention, and treatment among the Biyem Assi - Yaoundé of Northwest Cameroon. Methodology: Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and documentary analysis. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have emerged as a major public health challenge worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries undergoing rapid epidemiological and socio-economic transitions. In Biyem-Assi District at Yaounde, increasing rates of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease have highlighted the importance of understanding the sociocultural contexts in which these conditions develop. Results: The findings reveal that cardiovascular diseases are not perceived solely as biological disorders but are understood through a complex framework that incorporates social stress, family conflicts, economic hardship, spiritual forces, and cultural interpretations of bodily imbalance. Furthermore, poverty, nutritional transitions, limited access to healthcare, and psychosocial stress emerge as significant determinants of cardiovascular vul
ABSTRACT
This study aims to analyze the role of the Women and Children Empowerment Unit (PPA) of the Madiun City Police in handling cases of sexual violence against children, as well as the factors that influence the effectiveness of its implementation. The study employed an empirical legal method with a qualitative approach. Primary data were obtained through interviews with the Head of the PPA Unit and investigators from the PPA Unit, supported by observations and documentation, while secondary data were sourced from relevant laws and regulations and literature. The results indicate that the PPA Unit plays a role in receiving reports, conducting investigations, providing victim support, and coordinating with relevant institutions. The effectiveness of carrying out these roles is influenced by legal factors, law enforcement, resources and facilities, the community, and culture. Although regulations have provided an adequate legal foundation, limitations in human resources and facilities, as well as social stigma, remain obstacles to victim protection. Strengthening the capacity of officials, supporting facilities, and interagency coordination is necessary to improve the effectiveness of protecting child victims of sexual violence.
ABSTRACT
The application of artificial intelligence in teaching Grade 3 Mathematics in line with a competency-based approach, aiming to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning in primary schools, is a topic of considerable interest among education administrators, experts, educators, and teachers. Accordingly, this study clarifies several key concepts, contents, methods, and processes for integrating artificial intelligence into the teaching of Grade 3 Mathematics with a view to fostering student competencies. This effort is intended to keep pace with global trends in innovation, open up opportunities to improve the quality of education, and meet the requirements of student competency development in the era of digital transformation.