The effectiveness of Nuns in the moral formation of girls in Catholic founded secondary schools: a case study of Kampala Diocese

Abstract

The study sought to establish the effectiveness of the nuns in promoting girls’ morals in Catholic founded schools. The study aimed at establishing the different methods used by the nuns in promoting students’ morals in Catholic founded schools; to assess the impact of the contribution of the nuns in promoting students’ morals; and the factors or conditions blocking the holistic realisation of moral transformation among students.

Basing on the nature of the study and the nature of information required, the researcher adopted a cross-sectional research design for which qualitative and quantitative data was gathered. The designed instruments for collecting the required information included: close ended questionnaires, interview guides, and document analysis applied because of their relevance in the generation of the required information. After collection, the information gathered was edited, analysed with SPSS; interpreted and presented numerically in tables and figures for the quantitative information and descriptively according to themes and sub themes based on the objectives of the study for qualitative data.

The study findings revealed a variety of methods adopted by the nuns in promoting the morals of students including guidance and counseling, seeking parental involvement, punishments and rewards. The findings commended the contribution of the nuns in improving students’ morals. However the study revealed that there are still certain indicators of immorality in catholic schools. Thus, the study revealed a multiplicity of factors restraining the success of the nuns in transforming student’s morals in Catholic founded schools. The factors revealed in the study included institutional, social, policy and family related factors.

The study concludes that despite the existence and application of the methods, their applicability still lacks a lot. The study also concluded that the nuns’ contribution in working for moral transformation is great and still has the potential to influence morals in other institutions of learning. As for the limitations of the effort of the nuns and other stakeholders in the promotion of students’ morals, the major limitation was the social-cultural set up and age of the students as well as influence of the peers all of which must be dealt with for the achievement of a successful moral transformation.

Thus the study recommended that, the nuns continue promoting morality in schools using their methods they have in place, and revise their applicability especially to suit the changing moral trends and modernity. As for the effectiveness and contribution of the nuns, in order for the society to benefit appreciation and participation should be extended by other stakeholders to motivate the nuns in this effort. While for the limiting factors concerted effort is required coupled with the encouraging active participation of all stake holders in moral transformation.