An Assessment of Major Factors Affecting the Demand for Primary Schooling in Rural Areas of Oromia Zone of Amhara Region
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Date
2008-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main purpose of the study was to identify the major economic, social and school
related factors affecting the demand for primary schooling in Oromia ;:one of Amhara
Region. The sources of data were district education officers, princippls, teachers,
household heads and non-schooling children. The method used for the study was
descriptive survey. The samples were selected based on purposive, systematic
random sampling and accidental sampling techniques accordingly. Interview,
questionnaire, document analysis and focus group discussion were aata gathering
tools. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires were tested through pilot
testing. All the distributed questionnaires were correctly filled and retumed with
exception of minor limitations.
Questions were raised and discussed regarding utilization of school resources such
as teachers and classrooms. Background of non-schooling children and major
economic, cultural and school related factors affecting the demand for schooling were
also studied. Factors contributing to drop out and create schooling differences
between sexes"were also analyzed. Based on the study the following major findings
are summarized.
As enrolment and drop out rate, number of new entrants to schools, percentage of
female stude nts and the average PTR and PSR indicate that there was low demand of
the society for schooling. Dropout rate was high for lower grades and females. The
reasons for the high drop out of girls are attributed to high demand for girls' labor at
home, cultural f actors, economic problems and early marriage. Because of cultural
factors and economic expectations, the demand for girls ' schooling was also low. Lack
of resources and school facilities were not found to be major problems. Lack of
knowledge of the value of education, child labor, poverty, lack of role model (shortage
of educated p eople from the locality), early marriage (for girls) and long distance
between home and school were the main reasons for parents not to send and
withdrew their children to and from schools. Furthermore, parents' lower economic
and education ,background affected children's schooling opportunity. Parents directly
and indirectly contribute to schools as schqol fee and donations which might have
effect on the d emand for schooling. Most parents also send their children to schools
expecting employment opportunity after cOinpleting their education which, in tum,
might have imp lication on the demand f o ' schooling. Based on the findings the
f ollowing recommendations are suggested.
Broadcasting through local radio programs that highlight the positive asp ects of
education, infonning Parents and children about the value of education, promoting
adult literacy program for parents to ap Jreciate better the value of education,
providing fin ancial or material ass is tance to those who can not afford schooling costs;
and abolishing the 10 Birr payments p er year, and instituting counseling services to
schools may increase the demand and reduce drop out. Fwthermore, exp anding la bor
saving tec l11l010gies and introducing jle).:ible school calm'der can save children's time.
In addition, more number of high school graduates s hould be recruited, trained and
employed in their birth place area to serve as role models . Increasing the supply of
f emale teachers by recruiting from the school locality may also increase girls'"
enrolment. Low cost schools s hould be constructed f rom local raw materials near to
the residence to enhance the demand. Allevia ting povelty by increasing theil' income
through d ifferelll means is important. In this regard st rengthening agricultural
extension progu.J1l is important. COll1imWLlS efforts hCH'fO 10 b!:' made to SlOp ea rl!,marnage.