EDITORIAL NOTE
The African Research Journal of Education and Social Sciences presents Volume 8, as part of its continued commitment to disseminating scholarly research that addresses important educational and social issues affecting African societies. The studies published in this issue explore a range of interconnected themes that reflect the realities of communities, institutions, and social systems across the region. Through empirical investigation and contextual analysis, the contributions provide insights into how social structures, economic activities, educational practices, and community relations shape human wellbeing and development outcomes.
One of the themes emerging from the articles in this volume concerns the functioning of informal social and economic systems within urban environments. The study examining informal group financial welfare contributions among Jua Kali artisans in Nairobi highlights the ways in which collective financial practices strengthen social networks and contribute to the development of social capital among artisans. Such research offers valuable perspectives on how informal support structures promote cooperation, mutual assistance, and economic resilience among individuals operating within the informal sector.
The volume also addresses questions related to psychosocial wellbeing and educational transformation in times of social disruption. Research examining the prevalence of depression and anxiety among children affected by HIV-related loss provides insight into the psychological challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly in contexts influenced by broader public health crises. In addition, the study exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with online teaching of Religious Education in institutions of higher education in Uganda reflects the adjustments made by educators and institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting both the constraints and emerging possibilities associated with digital learning environments.
The volume further engages with questions concerning community relations and their implications for economic development. The study examining the effects of social and community issues in inter-ethnic conflicts on economic growth in selected sub-counties in Kenya sheds light on the ways in which social tensions and community dynamics can influence economic activities and development initiatives. Collectively, the articles in this issue contribute to ongoing scholarly discussions on informal economies, social capital, mental health, educational adaptation, and the relationship between community cohesion and development, thereby providing a useful foundation for future research in education and the social sciences.
KAREN AFANDI
EDITOR
AFRICAN RESEARCH JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Contents
Editorial Note…
Influence of Informal Group Financial Welfare Contributions on the Social Networks and Social Capital among the Jua Kali Artisans in Nairobi
Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety among Children Affected by HIV-Related Loss during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown
Examining the Challenges and Opportunities of Online Teaching of Religious Education in Institutions of Higher Education in Uganda
Effects of Social and Community Issues in Inter-Ethnic Conflicts on Economic Growth in Selected Sub-Counties in Kenya
Drivers of Induced Abortion among Women in Igembe Community of Eastern Kenya
Effect of Provision of Nutritious School Meals on Educational Achievements in Secondary Schools in Kibra Sub-County in Nairobi, Kenya
Assessing Learners’ Errors in the Specific Language Elements in ESL Cloze Tests in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Kajiado West, Kenya
Information and Communication Technology Agility and Performance of Electronic-Commerce Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kiambu County, Kenya
Reshaping Education in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic in Africa
Effect of Income Diversification on Financial Sustainability of Church-Related Organizations in Kenya
Post-COVID-19 Preparedness of Higher Learning Institutions on the Use of E-Learning Technology in Mbeya City, Tanzania
Contribution of Head Teachers Supervision in the Implementation of Educational Quality Improvement Program in Public Primary Schools in Musoma Municipal Council
