Exploring the role of chaplaincy ministry on students’ discipline in secondary schools in Kigezi diocese, Uganda since 2010

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the Role of Chaplaincy Ministry on Students’ Discipline in Secondary Schools in Kigezi Diocese Since 2010. The study employed the following objectives; To establish the nature of indiscipline in Church of Uganda founded Secondary schools in the Diocese of Kigezi since 2010. To examine the contribution of chaplaincy ministry in promoting the student’s discipline in the Church of Uganda founded Secondary schools in the Diocese of Kigezi since 2010. To identify the factors limiting the chaplaincy ministry in promoting discipline among students in Church of Uganda founded Secondary schools in the Diocese of Kigezi since 2010. The phenomenological research design was explicitly used by the researcher. A qualitative approach was used to capture narratives, opinions, comments and views from different respondents. The population from which the sample was drawn consisted of head teachers, Chaplains, teachers and Students from schools. The Diocesan Bishop, Diocesan Secretary (DS), and Diocesan Education Coordinator (DEC). Purposive sampling strategy was used in this investigation. The study used Interview guides and Documentary analysis guide to collect data from the respondents. The findings of the study indicated that there are several indiscipline cases in the church founded secondary schools. These included but not limited to Escaping from school, Sexual immorality/ promiscuity, Disrupting classes and Dodging. The findings further indicated that other indiscipline cases are Absenteeism, Drug abuse and alcoholism, Theft, Teasing and bullying, Fighting. The research findings indicated that the chaplaincy has a fundamental contribution in promoting students’ discipline. Their contribution include; Guidance and Counselling, Preaching the gospel and Organizing fellowships. The study findings indicated that the chaplains face several challenges when promoting students’ discipline in schools. These included; under looking the chaplains, lack of accommodation or even poor accommodation in schools, chaplains received low remuneration and hatred. Furthermore, the chaplains do part timing jobs and this leads to less time for the assigned duties, there were limited ordained reverends to work as chaplains and there is direct opposition from members of other denominations. The researcher recommended that the chaplains should understand their position in schools and should cause change. Should create time for students and conduct services at appropriate time. Should create time for guidance and counselling and should be available. Members of the community mainly parents should respect the chaplains and confide in them concerning the matters of their children.