Factors Influencing Students from Low-Income Families to Excel Academically, The Case of Korogwe District, Tanzania

Abstract

The study explores factors that influence some students to excel academically despite them coming from low-income families. The study was guided by two objectives; to examine what influence students from low-income families to excel academically and; to identify the role of teachers in influencing students from low-income families who excel academically. The study employed a qualitative approach and explorative case study design. A sample of 16 respondents was drawn from 3 primary schools for data collection. Where 12 are students from low-income families who are doing well in academics and are in standard 5 to 7, other respondents are teachers of guidance and counselling and classroom teachers. Data was collected using interviews and documentary reviews. Findings revealed that these students excel academically due to; the self-driven force of students, good relations between students and teachers, motivation from parents and teachers, good academic networks, and support from family members. According to the findings, the study recommended that; Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) support these students to help them get school requirements, introducing boarding schools for these students, improve parents' economic status, frequently provide training of guidance and counselling to teachers, increasing number of teachers, and school to improve its financial status