Career guidance and academic performance in education institutions in refugee camps in Uganda , a case study of Adjumani district

Abstract

This study, titled "Career Guidance and Academic Performance in Education Institutions in Refugee Camps in Northern Uganda: A Case Study of Adjumani District," aimed to examine the relationship between career guidance programs and students' academic outcomes. Employing a descriptive survey design, the research sampled 99 actual participants of which 71 where quantitative respondents and 28 qualitative respondents these comprised 70 students, 28 teachers, and 1 deputy head teachers using stratified random sampling and purposive selection for schools. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and secondary sources, providing both quantitative and qualitative insights. Findings for objective one revealed a significant inverse relationship between the perceived status of career guidance and academic performance (r = -0.579, p = 0.000), indicating that perceptions of underdeveloped programs negatively impact student outcomes. Similarly, findings for objective two revealed that students’ attitudes towards guidance showed a moderate negative correlation (r = -0.469, p = 0.000), suggesting that less favorable attitudes are associated with better performance, possibly reflecting underlying contextual factors. Concerning objective three on Challenges such as resource limitations, inadequate teacher training, and infrastructural constraints significantly hindered effective guidance delivery, with regression analysis confirming their strong negative influence (β = -0.868, p = 0.000). The qualitative data echoed these findings, highlighting sporadic programs, limited resources, and cultural barriers. The study concluded that systemic shortcomings in guidance services adversely affect academic achievement in refugee settings. Under objective one, it recommends that stakeholders students, teachers, parents, school administrators, policymakers, and future researchers collaborate to improve program structure, resource allocation, teacher training, and community engagement. Strengthening these areas is vital for enhancing student motivation, participation, and performance, ultimately fostering a more supportive educational environment. This investigation underscores the critical need for targeted interventions and policy reforms to address the unique challenges faced in refugee camps, ensuring that career guidance becomes a catalyst for improved educational outcomes in these vulnerable communities.